Lesson For The Week (Dec. 28)

God’s Promises
49 Remember your promise to me, your servant; it has given me hope. 50 Even in my suffering I was comforted because your promise gave me life. (Psalms 119:49-50)

Getting Started
Has anyone ever broken a promise to you? Have you ever broken a promise you made to someone?

Isaiah was a person who knew a lot about promises. He lived about 2700 years ago, and he was a prophet. During Isaiah’s time, the people of God were under attack. People from other countries were trying to kill them and take their land. God promised his people, through Isaiah, that he would send a Savior. The people waited, and waited, and after awhile became angry with God. They thought he had broken his promise to them. Have you ever felt this way? God’s timing and God’s plan can be different from what we want. But God is faithful. He keeps his promises, even when people sometimes doubt him.

Vocabulary
prophet (n) – someone given a special message or vision from God to communicate to others
harvest (v) – to pick grain or fruit
yoke (n) – a wooden bar that chains two animals together, or chains a heavy load to an animal
oppress (v) – to mistreat; to keep under control
exploit (v) – to use someone or something in an unfair way
counselor (n) – someone who gives advice
successor (n) – someone who comes after or takes the place of someone else

Reading God’s Word

Isaiah 9:2-7

2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. They lived in a land of shadows, but now light is shining on them. 3 You have given them great joy, Lord; you have made them happy. They rejoice in what you have done, as people rejoice when they harvest grain or when they divide captured wealth. 4 For you have broken the yoke that burdened them and the rod that beat their shoulders. You have defeated the nation that oppressed and exploited your people. . . 6 A child is born to us! A son is given to us! And he will be our ruler. He will be called, "Wonderful Counselor," "Mighty God," "Eternal Father," "Prince of Peace." 7 His royal power will continue to grow; his kingdom will always be at peace. He will rule as King David's successor, basing his power on right and justice, from now until the end of time. The Lord Almighty is determined to do all this.

At the time this was written, these things hadn’t happened yet. In fact, it would be another 700 years before these things would take place!

John 3:16
For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.

John 14:2-32

There are many rooms in my Father's house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. I would not tell you this if it were not so. 3 And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am.

Taking a Closer Look
1. Jesus is the “great light” shining on the people of God. Why call Jesus a “great light”? (Isaiah 9:2)
2. Why do the people of God rejoice? (Isaiah 9:4)
3. Who is the child that will be born? What will he be called? (Isaiah 9:6)
4. Jesus wasn’t rich, or powerful, or famous. Why call him these things?
5. Do you think the people of God had faith that these things would come true? Why or why not?
6. What does God promise for those who believe in Him? (John 3:16) Do you have faith to accept this promise for yourself?
7. What promise does Jesus make to his followers? (John 14:2-3) Do you have faith that this is true?

Taking Action
1. Sometimes it’s hard to accept God’s timing. God tells us to wait, but we want things to happen RIGHT AWAY! How can we learn to be more patient?
2. The people of God thought Jesus would come as a mighty king, but he came as a poor and humble man. Sometimes God’s promises come true in a different way than we imagined. How should we react when this happens? What can we learn from this?

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