Political giants appear in Jesus' family tree, including the impressive yet foolish Ahaz, who led the nation into disaster.  God never said "Religion and politics don't mix."  Isaiah spoke God's word to the nation's leader whose vain ambitions were not holy.

   When Isaiah said "A young woman will conceive and bear a son" (Isaiah 7:14) he wasn't gazing into a crystal ball, forecasting the birth of Jesus 700 years in the future.  He was trying to persuade power-hungry Ahaz not to go to war - but to be a man of peace, to trust in the Lord instead of his army.  Children are victims of wars, and their birth is a sign that God is with us and life is worth treasuring; Jesus' birth is the fulfillment of God's vision of peace (Matthew 1:23).

   Isaiah voiced many profound words of hope - and judgment.  He was a brilliant spokesman for God as he "comforted the afflicted and afflicted the comfortable."

   Lord, comfort us in our afflictions - but afflict us out of our comforts into a zeal to serve you instead of self-indulgent interests.  We pray for peace, and for innocent children - in the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus.

James

james@mpumc.org

The complete eAdventWithMatthew series can be found on our web site.