Having a worldly vision brings confusion that expands to fill the emptiness of human failure. Receiving the vision God has for us brings clarity that fills the emptiness with greatness. These same types of thoughts were cautioned about in the lips of Isaiah as recorded in Isaiah 8:1-15.

Remember from previous passages in the study of Isaiah that Judah chose to seek help from other nations and rejects the help of God. In today’s passage, there is a prediction of the fall of Israel. A catastrophe like a war that can destroy a nation in a short time. Before a national catastrophe happens, the people can pray and turn their attention to God who can spare the people from the tragedy.

The events leading up to the prophecy in today’s passage of a birth certificate, reliable witnesses, and the visit to the prophetess started when Isaiah the prophet spoke that the Lord would give a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (v. 14).

Immanuel means “God with us”. Jesus came from up there with God to down here on Earth to be with us. Remember in previous passages that Isaiah saw himself as a sinner, confesses, and accepts the difficult assignment from the Lord to help the people of Israel understand His truths. This same mission is there for us to carry out today.

This day with God, let us have the courage to make the right choices and pass on God’s word to future generations. It’s not always easy but if we have the courage to make a stand, we can avoid the disaster some want to lead us into. There are times when we must go down the road less traveled, run against the wind, or swim upstream because there are bad consequences in making the wrong choices.

God … You are with us to defeat our fears and face the storms. If afraid, discouraged, or tempted, You are with us. The indwelling Spirit with provide what is needed and guide us to fulfill a courageous vision. You can give us the courage to run against the wind, swim upstream, and go down the road less traveled as we faithfully go into the realm of the unknown to carry out your mission of passing on Your Word to future generations. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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