Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 17, 2017

“Christmas and the Lord’s Zeal” Isaiah 9:1-7 Bible Study 12/17/17

Our text this morning ends with the powerful assurance that “The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.” The “this” in the sentence refers to the promise of a coming, ultimate and everlasting Ruler-Jesus Christ. God the Father is no passive spectator in the drama of redemption. With ardent desire and fervency, He orchestrated and executed His plan to exalt His Son and to gather a people to Himself. As we study this morning, we will see that the Lord’s ultimate display of divine wisdom and almighty omnipotence occurs in the giving of His only Son to be our only Savior and everlasting Lord.

I. Delight in the declaration of a deliverer

-a royal birth announcement
-for those harassed by darkness-light!
-a child born-humanity
-a son given-deity (Psa. 2:7, Heb. 1:1-2)
-the shoulders of Jesus-administrative authority and superiority

II. Discern the depth of the double-names

-confirmation of His excellencies
-Wonderful Counselor
-Mighty God
-Eternal Father
-Prince of Peace

III. Depend on the Lord’s determination

-perpetual peace (Luke 1:33)
-a promise kept (2 Sam. 7:12-17)
-justice and righteousness
-LORD of hosts
-infinite fervency

IV. So What?

-Your zeal for God’s Son should reflect the Father’s zeal for Him-at Christmas and always!
-“Zeal has attained its highest aim, its end is satisfied, if sinners love the Saviour’s name; nor seek aught beside.” (Watts)
– Every name He wears is a blessing He shares. His names are wonderful!
-Come and see the zeal of the LORD: Immanuel!