Isaiah 9:2-7

The ultimate message of hope. There are a number of words in this passage that stir me.

“For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—

light! sunbursts of light!”

“The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants—

all their whips and cudgels and curses—

Is gone, done away with, a deliverance

as surprising and sudden as Gideon’s old victory over Midian.”

“For a child has been born—for us!………..

His ruling authority will grow,

and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.”

Jesus, I wander in the darkness so much of the time. The only truly lasting hope that I’ve experienced has come when I look and open my eyes to your light. A light that often comes when it’s least expected, when life seems the darkest.

Father, I love the words towards the end of this passage. “For a child has been born………..and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.” It doesn’t say there will be no more crying, it doesn’t say this child will bring health wealth and prosperity. This child brings wholeness! To me, wholeness means finding our true selves, living in harmony with each other, with our creator. Separating the important from the distractions.

Thank you Jesus for guiding me on a journey towards wholeness. Thank you for not letting me settle for being “satisfied” with life. Continue to fill me, fuel me, with your wholeness.

Amen!

Cal Funk

Cal who is married to Joan, is the Director of Cell Ministry at Seeds Church and a part of the Leadership Team.