“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 Counsellor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 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.” Isaiah 9:6,7 NIV
God of zeal,
Zeal, great energy, enthusiasm or as one explanation I like says, passionate commitment! Your zeal. Not a word we use much now God. If we look we can see Your zeal throughout the Bible. You do not give up in the face of our behaviour! Thank You for Isaiah’s words prophesying the coming of Jesus, regardless of man’s behaviour and because of it? Showing us how passionate You are about reconciling men and women to Yourself.
Not a cold, far off God but a zealous God for our salvation. Now is not forever. We are in our time in history. A people born after two world wars, survivors of a global pandemic and facing daily damage to earths environment daily.
Your zeal means we will be welcomed in heaven as those who kept the faith and shared it in our time. We celebrate Your birth and also our rebirth into Your family of believers. You planned it all despite mans zealous sin! Keep Your church zealous to share Your love both verbally and in compassion and love.
Keep our zeal for You alive by Your Holy Spirit.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of Zeal,
For our family, friends, neighbours, and those we promised to pray for.
For our Christian family. Christmas services and meals planned.
For our king and His family and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government and for peace in our nation in this season.
For Ukraine and Russia. A miraculous end to war.
For Sudan a good future, all areas of conflict in the Middle East to know peace.
For Your zealous love to touch our family and friends this Christmas.
For those who have had to leave home due to violence, danger or threat. Provide safe, kind refuge.
For us to rediscover our zeal for You in a quiet confident way and know the assurance of Your Holy spirit.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 23rd December 2024
I love to listen to Handel’s Messiah at Christmas. The Young Messiah version is also inspiring. This is a short section powerfully and zealously using the verses from today.
How it came to be written is below the lyrics.
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace
(Isaiah 9:5)
Handel
The Messiah was born, written, when Handel’s experimental nature was confronted with the fickle, changing tastes of London audiences and the politics of the English church. Italian opera was losing popularity fast, but the public still loved a good biblical story. The Bishop of London had forbidden performances of works with religious overtones on London stages so Handel decided to write a work for concert performance in a church . . . He created a piece based on three concepts: the story of the nativity and its prophecy; that of the crucifixion and redemption of mankind; and a commentary on the Christian soul and its victory over death.
Handel composed Messiah in just 24 days without getting much sleep and or eating much food. While writing the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus Handel’s servant discovered him with tears in his eyes, and Handel exclaimed, “I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself seated on His throne, with His company of Angels.”