ISAIAH

Isaiah 9:7

quote:

"There shall be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this."

The words of Isaiah held out hope that in spite of the prospect of war there was a glorious future ahead. Established upon both justice and righteousness, complete and lasting peace comes with the righteous reign of the Messiah. While most governments have their increase through war, the Messiah's government will grow through peace, through the working of the Holy Spirit of God in the hearts of men.

In Luke 1:32-33 the angel speaking of the child to be born says to Mary, "He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end."

God's love for His people and His zeal to vindicate His honor will accomplish the establishment of the kingdom over which the true Son of David will reign. Jesus is the true King and Shepherd of Israel and in Him alone is to be found the solution that can reconcile us to the Father and bring us into peace with God through the forgiveness of sins.

Some believe Isaiah prophesies a "millennial reign" that will culminate in the prophecy of a new heaven and a new earth. The conclusion then, is that Jesus brought peace with God through redemption by His death and resurrection, and will eventually bring complete and total peace through His exalted reign over all the earth. While I do not have a set opinion regarding a millennium, I do not believe that the establishment of Jesus' kingdom on earth upon His first appearing precludes a millennial reign upon His second appearing, since His reign is both everlasting and progressive.

While we await His second appearing, it is necessary that we minister to others that our only hope of finding peace with God is found in Jesus the Messiah. Our lives must be purified from sin so that we may present to others the hope of having a right relationship with God, which is righteousness in Jesus.

In "The Glorious Messiah and the Messianic Age Isaiah 9:1-7", Allen Ross, Th.D, Ph.D. writes: "We know that Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor, so we may obtain instruction and guidance for our lives from Him and in His Word. He is the Mighty God, for all power is given to Him, so we may trust Him to accomplish great things in and through us. He is the Everlasting Father, so we may take comfort in the stability that knowing our sovereign Lord reigns brings. And, He is our Prince of Peace, so we may rest in Him, knowing that because of Jesus all is well between us and God."

I would like to clarify the statement made that "His reign is both everlasting and progressive". In making this statement I did not intend to endorse the "Progressive" theory concerning the Millennium. I only used it to express the possibility of a millennial kingdom. Sorry if this may cause some confusion in regard to future study.

God bless you,
Elianna