12_7_25_#23_Isaiah 9:1-7_The Wonderful Counselor

{ILS} The Wizard

• 1939 & 2024 - Both equally driven by

• • Self Interest

  • Deception

  • Manipulation

• Takes the vulnerabilities you shared and flip them to their benefit

• • We unfortunately have experienced this pain in all phases of life

  • • That is why Isaiah’s description of a leader is so promising

  • The context of both Wizard of Oz and Isaiah - - - the present is troubled but there is a leader that is capable

{SCR} Isaiah 9:1 Nonetheless, those who were in distress won’t be exhausted. At an earlier time, God humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but later he honored the way of the sea, the far side of the Jordan, and the Galilee of the nations. 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned. 3 You have made the nation great; you have increased its joy.

They rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest, as those who divide plunder rejoice. 4 As on the day of Midian, you’ve shattered the yoke that burdened them, the staff on their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor.

{MPT} Humbling and Honoring

• Note in this image, the interest to be etched in stone as a victor

• • Sometimes we get humbled like Zebulun and Naphtali

  • Sometimes we get elevated like Gideon vs the Midiantes

  • War requires that one be humbled and one be elevated

  • • Inevitable like a see-saw

  • When we get humbled or elevated…

…What would the wonderful counselor say?

• He does not want war

{MPT} Darkness and Light

• Note in this image, the darkness is complete, envelops the room

• • Sometimes we bring the darkness on ourselves

  • Other times the darkness is heaped on us

  • In the midst of it, we imagine the darkness may never end

• Wonderful Counselor knows

• • the slightest light in pitch black changes everything

{SCR} Isaiah 9:5 Because every boot of the thundering warriors, and every garment rolled in blood will be burned, fuel for the fire.

{MPT} Fuel and Fire

• this image of a bonfire is dramatically different than the tiny candle

• • Fire this size has the power for destruction

  • • When i smell a large fire, reminds me of my childhood church

    • It reminds me of letting the dog out one night - Table Rock

• But in this case, the thing being destroyed is clothing for war

• • The fire here is calling each person to peace, to a new purpose

{SCR} Isaiah 9:6 A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.7 There will be vast authority and endless peace for David’s throne and for his kingdom, establishing and sustaining it with justice and righteousness now and forever. The zeal of the Lord of heavenly forces will do this.

{MPT} Wonderful Counselor

• Self Interest - Sacrifice

• Deception - Truth

• Manipulation - Empowerment

The fire in this photo is calling each person to peace, to a new purpose

• To face the world with the following