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AfterThoughts: December 21, 2025

December 21, 2025
The Promises Kept To The Prophets
Isaiah 7:1–17

This week, Dr. David Eldridge concluded the Advent series Promise Kept. The message focused on two points:

  • Even when our trust wavers, God’s faithfulness never falters.
  • The crises of life reveal where our trust really lies.

GOING DEEPER: 

  • As he explained the passage in Isaiah 7, Pastor David shared that when we study biblical prophecy, many prophecies have a “near” fulfillment (addressing the immediate situation of God’s people) and a “far” fulfillment (ultimately pointing to the first Advent of Jesus and at times His second Advent). Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Matthew makes clear that the true and final fulfillment of Isaiah 7 is found in the virgin birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:21–23). What was “near” in Isaiah’s day was the assurance that God was with His people; what was “far” was the glorious truth that in Jesus, God is always with us. How can you celebrate the truth of God’s salvation in Jesus in these last days of the Advent season?
     
  • Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord graciously invited King Ahaz to ask for an unmistakable sign so that he might rest his confidence fully on God’s promise, but King Ahaz declined. We often find ourselves in moments of fear when the outcome is beyond our control. In these moments, God invites us to trust Him as well. Pastor David shared that even when our trust wavers, God’s faithfulness never falters. In what specific circumstance is God inviting you to trust in Him and His graciousness and faithfulness? How can you change your schedule this week to make more time for confession and prayer? 
     
  • Pastor David shared that the crises of life reveal where our trust really lies. Often, we lean on our own routines, our health, our finances, our success, and our productivity. While these things are not bad, they were not designed to bear the full weight of our lives. Where are you placing the weight of your life? What have you been leaning on to hold you up and give you security and strength?
     
  • The sign in Isaiah fulfilled in Matthew is the very promise of God’s presence, Immanuel, God with us. He is not watching from a safe distance. It is not God shouting instructions from heaven. No, God stepped into our fear; stepped into our brokenness; stepped into our world. God does not just promise deliverance someday; He comes near to save us. He hasn’t left us alone; He is with us. Have you trusted Jesus as your Savior, the only One who can be the bridge over the troubled water of your life? If not, who can you talk to this week about making the decision to follow Jesus? If Jesus is your Savior and Lord, who can you share the reality of His salvation with this week?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: 

  • To view past sermons, please click here.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24–26

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