Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
The Hebrew letter mem, equivalent to our English letter “M,” has a fascinating characteristic: it has two forms. The “open mem” appears at the beginning or middle of a word, with a small opening in its design. The “closed mem,” however, is used exclusively as the final letter in a word, fully sealed in its appearance. This distinction is consistent throughout the Hebrew language—except for one extraordinary exception found in the Bible.
In Isaiah 9:6-7, we find this exception within the word l’marbeh, which means “to the increase.” Normally, the word would have with an open mem, but here, a closed mem is used instead. This unique occurrence appears in Isaiah’s prophecy about the Messiah: “Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end…” The closed mem is a deliberate anomaly, drawing attention to this passage and pointing to a deeper truth about the Messiah.
Rabbinic tradition connects the letter mem to the womb. An open mem symbolizes a womb that is ready to give birth, while a closed mem represents a sealed womb. This detail in Isaiah’s prophecy aligns perfectly with the earlier prophecy in Isaiah 7:14: “Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel [God with us].” The closed mem in l’marbeh hints at the miraculous virgin birth of the Messiah, whose arrival would defy natural understanding.
This small, yet profound detail in the Hebrew text reminds us that God’s Word is intricately woven with meaning. The Messiah’s birth was no ordinary event; it was a miraculous act of God’s divine plan to bring salvation to the world. As we reflect on this, let’s marvel at the richness of God’s Word and His perfect design, which points us to the glory and majesty of Yeshua (Jesus), the promised Savior.
No matter how impossible your situation may seem, remember this: Yeshua, the Messiah, is the ultimate Breaker. He broke forth from the closed womb to fulfill God’s plan, and He broke free from the tomb to give us victory over sin and death. He tore down every barrier that once separated us from God and from one another. If you’re feeling stuck, trapped, or in need of a breakthrough, take heart! The same Messiah who opened the way for all of humanity can bring freedom and hope to your life. Trust Him to make a way where there seems to be no way—He’s the God of breakthroughs!
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[worthy_plugins_devotion_single_body]In these days, we have to pray for wisdom! In the letter of James, the Lord’s brother, he writes, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all liberally…” [James 1:5] The context for this request is trials! Since this is a time of almost constant trials, God knows we need His wisdom, more than ever.
Throughout the Bible, the faith of the saints was never something passive — but rather a faith of action.
Much of the world is dealing with the greatest disruption of their lives… probably in their lifetimes, particularly in the West, and what is known as the “First World”. Here’s a helpful perspective toward understanding what is taking place.
Continuing our exciting account of the Moravian Revival, I have to highlight the minuscule quantity of saints involved. This was, in proportion to its astounding effect, a very small group, a little church. Yet the amazing demonstration of God’s principle of power through unity re-echoes the events at Pentecost when 120 believers also were in profound unity waiting on the Lord. It wasn’t the numbers but the removal of contention and division that paved the way for a 100-year revival.
The Moravian revival, our current subject, began in the little community of Herrnhut on August 13, 1727, with a tremendous outpouring of the Holy Spirit likened to that of Acts 2. It was a work of God that would transform this group of splintered Christian settlers into a unified missionary endeavor committed to reaching the unsaved around the world.
For those of you who didn’t get that title, it’s a well known children’s Suzuki violin rhythm.
Not long ago, I came across an old issue of Homemade, where Dr. Ernest Mellor writes on fostering good relationships. This is so good I had to share.
It never ceases to amaze me how our little girl, Elianna is growing and developing. I remember when she first came into this world, she was so helpless and frail — she couldn’t even move her head without our help. Now, just having turned two, she’s running around and tumbling, jumping, singing and dancing!