In a time when dark judgment loomed over Israel, Isaiah spoke words of light. While the nation would be reduced to a stump, a vision of a tender shoot foretold the hope of new life—a future King coming to redeem his people. Today, we still live in the space between darkness and light, and our landscape often seems bleak. But we can look forward to our King’s return with confident expectation, for all will be made right in that day.
Teaching
A Highway through the Wasteland
The Holy One of Israel
A Tender Shoot
Darkness and Light
The people who walk in darkness
will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness,
a light will shine.
Isaiah 9:2
Sermon Prep Plan
This plan of study focuses on preparing you for the upcoming teaching by providing relevant background passages, biblical context, and additional resources. You will receive an email with the weekly readings on Tuesdays. We hope this tool will help you grow in your understanding of Scripture.
Study Questions
A Highway through the Wasteland
God sees the Israelites’ pain, even in their rebellion, and he promises to come with a strong arm and a soft hand to deliver them. We too can find comfort in a God who sees us in our suffering and promises that one day, all wrongs will be made right.
The Holy One of Israel
In this passage, Isaiah looks forward to a day when the Holy One will be among his people and they will rejoice in song. In our sinfulness and brokenness, we long for that day as well. Yet we can sing with joy and trust now, for Jesus has already come, and he will come again.
A Tender Shoot
We live in a broken, hostile world. Yet Isaiah is clear that God will not leave us in darkness. Jesus came into the world and began to unwind our brokenness, and he will come again to rule, bring peace, and gather his people to himself.
Darkness and Light
In the book of Isaiah, the nation of Israel is dealing with the consequences of ongoing sin, yet the prophet holds out the hope of a coming Messiah. As we celebrate the first advent of Jesus, we can also look forward to his return as our King.
