The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.
For 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. Of the greatness 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.
The biggest reason to fail when carrying a heavy load is not being able to envision an end to it. If we know that we only have to carry it a bit further, we can often muster the means to persevere. But if we cannot see an end to it, we are hopeless and we cannot find the strength.
There are situations where we do not see the end and therefore we give up too early. That is truly tragic when we put our heads down in defeat when help is close enough to taste. That is what the author is talking about. They are despairing that the terrible situation that they are in will come to an end and they are becoming increasingly desperate. They are considering options, relationships and alliances that they would never have considered before because they can't see the hope. The author says, the light of a new day is coming, just over the horizon and "people living in darkness will see a great light" "shattering the yoke of the oppressor."
But what is unexpected is that this rescue is coming in the shape of a child. Promising a child means that there will be no immediate relief, but instead relief will come as the child takes on the roles that are his birthright: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace and toss out the oppressors. Prematurely seeking relief from the burden, we are skipping what God promised and instead accepting a cheap and easy alternative when God's answer is coming as surely as day follows night.
I have often been tempted to search for alternative answers. Not sure of God's timely response, I take on God's role to find and provide answers but those answers are the "cheap and easy alternative" and not as satisfying ultimately. Bear the load a little further and don't give up too early, because God's answer is around the corner.
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