“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” —Isaiah 9:6-7
This ancient prophecy heralds the coming of the Messiah and His Kingdom of endless peace. Look around the world today. Where is this Kingdom? Is it even possible?
Scripture states that God’s zeal will bring Isaiah’s prophecy to fulfillment. Zeal is defined as “eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something.” It describes God’s deep desire and commitment to rescue, redeem and restore His creation.
Advent reminds us that we live in the already and the not yet. Christ has come as Immanuel, God with us. His Kingdom is near; it is among us. Yet we still await its full completion when Jesus returns to set all things right, once and for all.
In this in-between time, God invites us to participate in His Kingdom work as we engage the world. Will you join your zeal with His, that all peoples everywhere would soon know and follow Jesus?
Read Romans 12:11. Reflect on your passions and strengths. Ask God to show you how to use those gifts in service to His Kingdom work among the world’s least-reached peoples.
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