We All Need Deliverance
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil . . . For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:2–3, 6
Everybody needs deliverance from something. Everybody. The world needs deliverance; we see it every day.
The cry from first century Palestine echoes “Oh come oh come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel.”
The cry for deliverance in the past is a cry for deliverance in the present:
– Oh come oh come Emmanuel and rescue captive Bellevue,
– Oh come oh come Emmanuel and rescue captive Redmond
– Oh come oh come Emmanuel and rescue captive Creekside
The world needs deliverance, but so do you. And so do I.
– Oh come oh come Emmanuel and rescue captive me, ransom us. Ransom us from the many things we need to be delivered from.
Fear? (job, marriage, kids, money)
Anger? (things don’t go your way, get angry).
Bitterness? (The past controlling the present and blocking the road to the future)
Disordered desires? (lust, greed, discontent).
What do you need to be delivered from? Advent hope is hope of deliverance, then and now. Pray, and seek: Oh come oh come Emmanuel and rescue me, deliver me —- and he will.
Peace, hope and love
Doug
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