Advent - Portraits of the Messiah
God created us to display His beauty. When we turn from that purpose, things get messy. But God sends the Messiah as our Savior, so that through him we can actually display God’s beauty. The Savior does this by first rebuilding us, and then rebuilding the world through us.
Resources:
The Prophecy of Isaiah, Alec Motyer
Generous Justice, Timothy Keller
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Where is true peace found? Isaiah writes to God’s people in exile, with little peace, and presents to them, and to us, an exalted servant. This seemingly unimpressive servant is exalted by bearing our sins and sorrows. True peace is available in him.
Resources:
The Prophecy of Isaiah, Alec Motyer
The Logic of Penal Substitution, J.I. Packer
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Since the Messiah is Light in the darkness, we have every reason to rejoice, especially in sadness.
Resources:
Isaiah 8:22-9:7
New American Commentary, Isaiah
ESV Study Bible, Isaiah Notes
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Since the Messiah is Immanuel, you need not be afraid!
Resources:
Isaiah 7:1-14
ESV Study Bible (Isaiah notes by Ray Ortlund)
New American Commentary, Isaiah, by Gary Smith
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