Isa 11:3-9 When I was a volunteer working for a mission in my twenties, I was hosted by a local family. It turned out to be an awkward living arrangement, where the head of the household generously offered his home,…

Isa 11:1-2 As we continue exploring the revelation about the promised King, Messiah, we land in Isa 11:1-9 that expands on the picture painted in Isa 9:6-7 and describes a wise king. The intervening chapters reiterate the people’s sin, their…

Isa 9:6-7 One of the most disconcerting aspects of this year has been a sense that we do not have full control over our lives. We planned to travel or go out for coffee or to church and suddenly found…

Isa 9:3-5 There is no doubt that our circumstances affect how we feel. Someone says nasty words to us and we feel down, we have a hectic day at work and are stressed, we lose our wallet on the train…

Isa 9:2; John 8:12 There is a background post to today’s reflection for those who enjoy a more in-depth Bible study on Light and God’s salvation plan in Isaiah (see post here). When I was a child, on Advent Sunday…

Isa 8:10-22; 9:1 In the next few weeks leading up to Christmas, I shall reflect on two messianic prophecies (Isa 9:1-7 and Isa 11:1-5) to build up a picture of God’s chosen King contrasting with the portrait of the human…