Isaiah 9:2 (NRSV): 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined.

God sent Isaiah to warn the people what would happen if they continued in their wicked ways. To live in “darkness” is to live outside of the will and ways of God. In this verse God promises a “great light” – a leader who will restore God’s people to the Lord. And God delivered – by sending his son Jesus. But Jesus wasn’t the kind of king/leader the people expected.

I expect this sort of thing happens a lot. People ask for a blessing and the Lord sends one – though it’s not what was asked. I recently read a post on a friend’s FB feed. It said something like “Lord, why did you send me into these rough waters?” And the Lord said, “Because your enemies can’t swim.” Haha!

Lord teach me to trust you even when I think you haven’t heard me. Amen.