MATH1H3%JANE@uhvax1.uh.edu (David H. Wagner) (11/14/89)
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. ------Isaiah 9:2 These words were recalled to my mind by the recent events in East Germany. The power of the oppressor is broken! What good news! I recall that I also thought of these words when Ferdinand Marcos resigned. There is a natural connection between this prophecy of Isaiah and man's desire for freedom from oppression. Yet, if we think soberly on this, we realize that life in the Phillipines is only somewhat improved, and the people of East Germany certainly face difficult challenges and more hard times before their lot is really improved. So it might be worthwhile to look at the broader context of this passage. Verse 1 of Isaiah 9 says: "Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan--" Verse 6 and 7 are very well known to Handel fans: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on this shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of 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. So even though verse two resonates with our feelings concerning political freedom, it is really a part of an important prophecy concerning the Messiah, the Christ. It says that the Messiah will come to Galilee. It says, very clearly, that the Messiah will be born as a humon infant, but will also be true God -- although most Jews will surely disagree. It also says the Messiah will reign forever -- which we understand to be in heaven, over God's kingdom in heaven and earth. In short, it is a prophecy fulfilled perfectly by Jesus, and only one of many. The oppression that Jesus freed us from is not the oppression of human dictators, (although we will certainly and finally be freed of them at the resurrection) but it is the oppression of Satan. No amount of political freedom or material prosperity can make us truly happy, because we will always, while this world endures, have our own sins and the sin-full world around us to make us miserable. But out of love and mercy Jesus freely gives us the freedom that is more precious than coutless jewels, freedom from Satan and sin. As Luther wrote in "A Mighty Fortress is Our God:" The old evil foe Now means deadly woe. Deep guile and great might Are his dread arms in fight On earth is not his equal. With might of ours can naught be done Soon were our loss effected. But for us fights the Valiant One Whom God Himself elected. Ask ye, who is this? Jesus Christ it is. Of Sabbaoth Lord And there's none other God. He holds the field forever! David H. Wagner My opinions and beliefs are completely seperated from my employer's lack thereof.
eliot@ucbvax.berkeley.edu (Eliot Smyrl) (11/17/89)
In article <Nov.13.11.56.21.1989.4984@athos.rutgers.edu> MATH1H3%JANE@uhvax1.uh.edu (David H. Wagner) writes: > > The people walking in darkness > have seen a great light; > on those living in the land of the shadow of death > a light has dawned. >------Isaiah 9:2 > These words were recalled to my mind by the recent events in East >Germany. The power of the oppressor is broken! What good news! In a somewhat ironic twist on this, and somewhat in line with the point of David's article, I've heard news recently to the effect that the Church in East Germany is much stronger than that in West Germany, where worship services/masses are held with very light attendance. The breaking of the wall thus holds hope for those living on both sides. Christians around the world can pray that the strength of faith found in East Germany will "infect" West Germany - and even all of Europe! - at the same time that political reforms spread in Eastern Europe. Eliot Smyrl ucbvax!pixar!eliot