The fourth message reminds us to acknowledge that victory over crisis is made possible by Emmanuel, God who is with us.  It does not happen by chance or comes naturally.  This requires us to be grateful to God and not dismiss Him when the crisis is over.  The fifth message exhorts us to patiently wait for Emmanuel’s deliverance in dark and trying times.  For those who wait patiently by remaining faithful to God, deliverance will come.  At the same time, God will leave signs of Emmanuel, that is, His presence, that will provide us strength and encouragement to continue waiting.  We will receive comfort by constantly reflecting on these signs of Emmanuel, His very presence—people whom he sends into our lives, prayers which are answered in small and big ways, and little or big help provided here and there.  The sixth message comforts us by urging us to look forward to a day when Emmanuel will come to restore peace and justice to this world.  The sufferings we are experiencing in our lives are temporal. 

Are you going through very trying times?  Because you are a Christian, a child of God, you need not be afraid because you have the promise of Emmanuel, which means, God is with you, in a very close way, even in your heart.  Every moment, He is protecting you.  Since you have Emmanuel, you have every reason to rejoice and be at peace even when times are uncertain and trying.  But remember, you can only stand firm by faith, that is by relying on God which means obedience (Isaiah 7:9).

Second, I was also very heartened by the quality of fellowship over these few days.  There was laughter, fun, and above all, words of comfort and encouragement during “free and easy” times.  Life is so tough that we need each other.  May you continue to keep up such a high level of appreciation and kindness you have shown each other.  The “Sheep and Shepherd’ game had helped us care for one another.  The little acts of kindness, the food and gifts you bring to your sheep, I believe, have helped us feel the love of Christ.  I hope you continue to care in this manner even back in Singapore.  We all need a little nourishment of love everyday and regularly.  May you be a regular giver of comfort and encouragement.

I had chosen “Isaiah” for two reasons.  First, chapters 7-9 focus on Emmanuel, God is with us.  We need this assurance in life.  Second, it is a book that is seldom taught.  Not only is it God’ Word, in fact, it is a very important book. 

The first message was an introduction to the Book of Isaiah.  We learned that the important events and people recorded in this book are also documented in artefacts found by archaeologists.  The main point in the first message is that you must resolve to hear Isaiah’s message by faith if you are going to benefit from a reading of the Book of Isaiah.  The second message emphasises that in a time of crisis, if you are going to emerge unscathed, you must have faith, that is, rely on or obey God.  If not, you will falter.  There is no middle path.  The third message urges us to receive the sign of the Emmanuel.  God will always leave clear traces that He is with us.  But we must not doubt His presence but believe that He indeed will be with us.