DISCUSSION
As a product of the seventies and eighties, the phase “A New Hope” would spark images of Han Solo, Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker into my imagination. The evil Empire, lead by Darth Vader, had been winning the war against the Rebel forces to the point of extinction, that is until the New Hope arrived. Luke Skywalker and his new-found Jedi powers offered a hope to the Rebel forces that they could and would overcome the forces of evil. Well…if you remove the concept of the Jedi, the light sabers and the hairy Wookie, you have a similar situation in the days of Isaiah. The children of Israel had succumbed the forces of evil and were on the brink of being overrun by their enemies. After a period of suffering and dismay, God would send them a New Hope. Isaiah refers to this hope as “…Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9.6). That New Hope is Jesus. Do you feel overrun, at the end of your rope or feel that you just can’t seem to get out of this downward spiral you have fallen into? Rest assured you have hope! Just as Jesus would bring hope to the Jewish nation, He can bring hope to your life as well; and this Hope will not disappoint (Romans 5.5)
Prayer Requests:_______________________________________________________________________