The Gospel according to Isaiah T HE THREE COVENANT PROMISES OF G OD ; H OW I SRAEL LOST THEM AND HOW G OD RESTORED THEM

Gospel according to Moses: The promises of the Pentateuch 1.Purpose: Abrahamic covenant – Israel will be blessed by God and they will be a blessing to all nations (Gen. 12: 2-3) 2.Presence of God (Gen. 17:7, Ex. 33:15-16) 3.Place: Land of Israel(Gen.17:8)

Israel’s story up to Isaiah Claimed much of the land under Joshua Full possession under David, “A man after God’s own heart” Prosperity & temple under Solomon. Nations travelled to see it & praised God! Divided nation Fall from covenant loyalty Threat from mighty Assyrian Empire

3 things about prophetic writing 1.It’s situational: Addresses a particular situation 2.It’s poetry: Rich in imagery, symbolism & rich language 3.It’s for both now and not-yet: Even while addressing the present there is a backdrop of the ultimate future.

Isaiah 9: 1-7 Chapter 8: “Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn. Distressed and hungry, they will roam through the land; when they are famished, they will become enraged and, looking upward, will curse their king and their God. Then they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness.”

Losing the promises 1.8:6 Israel will lose its land to Assyria. “Its outspread wings will cover the breadth of your land.” 2. 8:17 Israel will lose the presence of God. God was “hiding his face from the house of Jacob”. 3.Their desolation will cause other nations to be appalled by them, not blessed by them.

Dawn Breaks! Ch.9:1-2 The past is over! The light has come! Jesus is the light (John 1:1-18) Light brings release from fear Light restores vision & purpose Light brings joy

Increase God is “enlarging the nation.” 1 Peter 2:9-10 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

Freedom and forgiveness Forgiveness and freedom available in Christ from things that bind you or oppress you. Galatians 5:1 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

Government Jesus is the King on earth, as he is in heaven! (A word that is still both now and not-yet) Wonderful counsellor Mighty God Everlasting Father Prince of Peace

Your Kingdom come! We can pray for Jesus’ kingly rule and its consequent blessings of peace for: Our own circumstances and needs Our family and friends Our church, its members and leaders Our work place and colleagues Our neighbourhood Our society and country Our world and events

“The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this!” (v.7)