6For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)
Ok. For me, this verse seems out of place. For me, it’s a little strange to be reading this in the heat of July when it is usually associated with the cold of December! A child is born; a son, given. He is wonderful, mighty and everlasting. He is the Prince who reigns forever. Pictures of Jesus that described His life, His ministry and ultimately His purpose. An out of place verse in the middle of a much needed vacation.
Just as this verse seems out of place for July, Jesus seemed out of place for the world. Here He was, a poor carpenter, rising in the ranks of unwanted popularity, challenging the religious status quo, healing, teaching, saving, delivering, dying and rising. To the world, He and His mission just seemed so “out of place”. And yet, He did just what the verse describes; He established His reign and saved the world. He gave His life so that I can have mine.
This scripture reminds me that even in July, the Lordship of Jesus doesn’t change and His love never wavers. Even when I’m on vacation, He is with me. Even when I take time off, He is there. Jesus is my all in all, all the time. He’s with me whether I’m at my desk or on a beach. This out of place verse reminds me that my relationship with Him is never out of place.
Merry Christmas Father! Thank you for jerking me out of the summer malaise with the placement of this verse on my reading plan. It is the boost I need to refresh my praise of who You are and what You’ve done. Today, I will worship You for being a God who is never out of place in my life! In the name of the Christmas babe … Amen.
