Jesus: The Promise Keeper
Jesus fulfills prophetic promises made by God the Father. The statement, "that it might be fulfilled," indicates an action taken by Jesus in direct fulfillment of some promise or purpose of Scripture. In this instance from Isaiah 9:2 , "…The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light…"
The need for this "light" to shine upon people in darkness was revealed in Isalah 8:19-20 (NLT), "Someone may say to you, “Let’s ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do.” But shouldn’t people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead? 20 Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark."
God saw the problems of His people, and all humanity, due to their own sin and willful ignorance. In His love and kindness, the Lord decided to address their (and our) problems with a promise:
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace there will beno end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
God's promised solution, then and now, is the same: Jesus Christ!
Today, we need to reflect that same light in shining on our generation who sit in darkness.
