LOOKING FORWARD TO PEACE
Isaiah 8:20–9:7
Each of us possesses a unique skill that cannot be easily taught. It is the ability to navigate through your home in the dark. While you have probably learned where each piece of furniture and light is located in your house, it would prove difficult for anyone unfamiliar with the layout. It isn’t that there is less darkness for you than for other people; you just know what is not visible to them.
Sometimes, darkness seems pervasive in our world and seems to gain ground with each passing day. It is enough for anyone to become discouraged. When we forget to live with eternity in mind, even Christians can unknowingly share darkness with the world instead of light. In the dark, there is fear and anxiety. In the light of Christ, we can discover His peace in uncertain times.
As we move through the season of Advent, it is good to remember that some of our Christian brothers and sisters may be having a difficult time. The loss of a loved one and the memories of days gone by can be a heavy burden for anyone to carry, and it seems this time of year is more challenging than most. What each of us longs for is peace. True and lasting peace is possible through Jesus Christ.
Peace eludes us when we fail to look to God. (8:20–22)
When someone is seeking peace, it can often feel like they are wandering in the darkness. Furthermore, a life without God is permeated by the absence of light. Peace will continually elude us if we do not have a proper relationship with God. The people mentioned in this passage had sought the world for peace and were left empty-handed. In a powerful word picture, the Scripture says that they have no dawn. This moving image reminds us we are in utter darkness without Christ. In the darkness, there is no refuge, satisfaction or fulfillment.
Peace comes from Jesus, the Light of the World. (9:1–5)
Thankfully, the story does not end. God had a plan before time was measured, which included the beautiful redemption story of Jesus and the atonement. In Him, there is no darkness. In Him, there is light and peace.
We are in a dark world, but it is not one that has been abandoned. The offer of salvation from Christ is available to all. In turn, we as believers become points of light in our communities, cities, churches and beyond.
Peace comes through Jesus, the Prince of Peace. (6–7)
These two verses contain enough good news to change the world. In reality, it does every day! While we may be separated from Jesus’s days on earth by 2,000 years and by cultures, languages and geography, one thing is constant — mankind’s great need for peace, salvation and light.
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace are just some of the many titles and names of God that we can cling to in our time of need. Our heavenly Father remains faithful and steady in a world that seems more uncertain than ever.
The enemy will come to all of us at times to distract and discourage us and attempt to hinder our peace. Hold tight to the promises of God! It may be dark for a season, but the light will win. Do you have this peace? Do you know this Christ?
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
