Good news of redemption
God, the Creator of the universe comes to us—a promise of hope and comfort!
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. …his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 7:14, 9:6b
A holy Zygote, then Embryo, then Fetus miraculously grew in Mary who was chosen by God’s grace to become the virgin mother of Jesus Immanuel, born human infant yet remaining fully God!
Immanuel means God is with us! He bore the sins of the world—took our griefs and sorrows—suffered torment in our place so we can have God’s peace and eternal life. We don’t deserve it. His gift of love covers insufficiency, errors, and delivers from evil.
- Together with others in church we confess our sinfulness out loud. Sometimes we take opportunity for counsel and privately confess a specific sin to a pastor.
- We are absolved according God’s Word.
Consequences of our brokenness (emotional pain of neglect, mistreatment, misunderstanding, as well as physical ailments and disease) aren’t guaranteed to disappear in this life which ends in death. However, brokenness may result in
- negative impact fading
- healing
- growth in ourselves or others
- joy looking forward to eternity with Christ, void of pain and tears
I pray, reader, do not deny this merciful gift the Holy Spirit offers everyone; rather, take hold of true faith which receives Christ wholeheartedly.
Isaiah 1:18b
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| “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. Isaiah 1:18 |
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…no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow.… Isaiah 1:18 TLB |
Let us reason together in the light of the blessing of God’s forgiveness!
God demands purity. He knew we could not justify ourselves. He takes away sin and gives righteousness—perfection in Christ—to pardon and empower people who trust this Word.
Isaiah 5:20
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| Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20 |
“Sin brings the ultimate confusion. God’s counsel condemns human folly and wickedness. • Lord, snap the tethers that hold me back and rob me of genuine freedom in Christ.” The Lutheran Study Bible
Isaiah 6:2a-3
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| Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: … And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” Isaiah 6:2a-3 |
At church, the divine service provides a glimpse of
heaven as we sing, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.” Learn more about the Sanctus and other parts of the Liturgy
Isaiah 30:18
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| Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. Isaiah 30:18 |
Trust God’s perfect timing. He doesn’t ignore or forget about our needs and prayers. His mercy and grace are for those who seek Him. He works good for those who love and wait for Him to return.
Isaiah 46:4
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| …I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4b NIV |
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| even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. Isaiah 46:4 ESV |
God has carried us from the very beginning, like a mother carrying her child in the womb. He fills and guides us in life’s experiences and relationships; we mature in the frequent study of His Word. The Holy Spirit gives faith, Jesus, the Source of Light to joyfully live, in truth, now until He carries all who believe into eternal life.
Isaiah 40:31
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| but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 |
We should turn away from putting people and things above God. Unreasonable expectations, resentful attitudes of the heart, controlling actions, heavy worries and griefs over things that need to be set right—the weighty load is lifted only when we trust in God’s power to save, protect and sustain His people. Each detail of the commandments matter. We fall, struggle, and suffer; yet, penitently, we are purified in Christ alone—He is our hope and anticipation. Praise our Savior Jesus!
Isaiah 41:10
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| fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 |
After confession and absolution at church, we are reminded we need not be afraid—we don’t carry guilt out those doors when we leave. God has turned on the power of his Light and we are forgiven. Joy and blessings go with us and make us shine! God strengthens and helps all who seek Him. Christ’s righteous faithfulness protectively holds, frees from evil, and tenderly fills our empty hearts with His peace. He grows faith by the Word we hear, speak and sing alongside other believers.
Isaiah 54:8
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| In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,” says the Lord, your Redeemer. Isaiah 54:8 |
We may still grieve or suffer, yet, we need not fear, be ashamed or disgraced. Christ satisfies the Father’s wrath over sin. In mercy, He forgives and always wants to shower us with blessings. May we be open to boldly share His compassionate love story.
Isaiah 54:10
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| Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10 |
Unfailing is a word that describes the love the Lord has for the people He created. Human love pales by comparison and miserably fails more often than most people like to admit.
Isaiah 55:8–9
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| “For
my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my
ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8–9 |
We have thoughts of helplessness, pain, frustration, resentment or anger. Our feeble plans fall through. God’s Word prospers and He accomplishes the tasks which He pleases—kindness, mercy and redemption.
Helpful links on Brokenness to Restoration and the book of Isaiah in the Bible
- Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration
- Isaiah archives at KFUO
- Introduction to Isaiah at Issues Etc
- Isaiah at BibleProject
Pray
Lord Jesus, I don’t deserve a thing. Thank you for having mercy on me. Your dependable forgiveness, generous care and gentle love are exactly what I need. When I don’t understand changes You allow in my life, You stay with me, strengthen, guide, give patience and generate joy in me through the Light of Scripture. You surround me with faithful dear ones who, glowing in the power of Your Spirit, freely speak honestly of brokenness that can only be healed by Your peace, loving kindness and grace. All glory be to You! Amen
