Humanity: Solving the Problem 

     "The book of Isaiah is like a yo-yo, up and down. The Lord goes from righteous judgment to gracious reconciliation, and back around. 

by Janie B. Cheaney

     "In human terms, this is the Divine Dilemma. Parents: If there is love for your child, though complicated, there is also pain. Love is risking oneself amid the unknown. 

     "It is hard enough for parents when a child turns on them. But what do you do if you are God? 

     "One choice: Let the 'children' destroy Your house, ignore Your rules and leave Your righteousness in the dirt. Another choice: Judgment. Stop everything and punish. You are still God. You win...but not really. Your grand experiment fails and Satan laughs.

     "Third option: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. Notice the extravagant language: mighty God, everlasting Father.   

     "The child is promised to a virgin who wonders, "How can this be?" 

     "Amid agonized and wrathful pronouncements against Mt. Zion and all surrounding nations, a Man emerges:  

     "A promised child, like Isaac and Samson,    

         from the seed of Jesse, like David,    

            a servant and prophet, like Moses,    

                a sacrificial victim,  ...like no one else. 

"He alone is the resolution and reconciler for an impossible dilemma."

Isaiah 9:6-7