The Joy that Jesus Brings

"3You have multiplied the nation and increased its joy; they rejoice before You
according to the joy of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4For You

have broken the yoke of his burden and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian."   Isaiah 9:4-5   NKJV

The Light was replacing the Assyrian oppression - the Child of God, incarnate (Is 7:14)

With this would be coming great joy, the joy of the LORD - strength. This was something to shout about, the Messiah was coming to their rescue. When we have found something special, we have an excitement; we just want to shout about it, it is a marvellous joy.

The rod of the oppression, is similar language to Psalm 23:4. It was a weapon used in conflict. But, no one can take God on and win, so it was broken together with the yoke of his (Assyria) 

burden. God was bringing justice and peace unto this situation.  

The agricultural world, knows no greater joy than that of a great harvest. It compliments all of the hard work that has been put in. Likewise, a soldier knows no greater joy of a battle ending with his side winning and he being still alive, and it is now time to divide the booty. This is the joy that Jesus brings.

In verse 4, it mentions the 'yoke of his burden' A yoke was a wooden collar or harness placed on the neck of animals and attached to ploughs or other agricultural tools. The word was used to describe servitude or oppression. This yoke of burden was being lifted from the Israelites, so that they would be burden-free. Remember, Jesus mentioned that His yoke is not burdensome (Matthew 11:29-30). So therefore, we no longer have to suffer the burdens that life brings. Jesus has done it all and through His blood shed on the cross, we are forgiven and given a new start in life. Now, that is the beginning of the Christmas story.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

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