You’re in the Light

Read Isaiah 8:11-9:5
 
Isaiah 9:1-3 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan. 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder.
 
THE remaining verses of Isaiah 8 describe conflict between Judah and Isaiah. God’s people reject God’s prophet. This is a common response when prophets preach the truth. Much darkness will come in the nation’s unbelief. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali are to the north and experience the full shadow of Assyria’s darkness.
    Then comes another promise of the Messiah. “Nevertheless,” God says. Even though the Judah was rejecting the LORD’s commands, one day his new light will graciously dawn in this region. Matthew 4:12-14 When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. 13 Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali – 14 to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah.
    As we look around and think, “it’s never been so bad.” Perhaps we need to know, “Sin’s darkness has affected mankind’s minds since the Fall in Eden.” There is no issue in the world today that is not in Scripture. People ridiculed and disobeyed Gods’ Word then as they do now. False religions and self-consuming doctrines seek to elevate mankind over our creator.
    Do you follow Jesus? Then know you follow the Victorious One. The truth is, Jesus’ church is stronger and larger than ever. The world wants you to believe the church is irrelevant and dying. But know that the sicknesses and sins around us demonstrate our need for the Holy God to save us. Each day the light dawns into new lives. Sin’s shadow disappears when Jesus, the Light, appears. Great joy comes to the saved because they know death no longer has a grip on them.
    Do you believe that? Then let us live each day joyfully in the Light, who has dawned, risen and shines on our lives forevermore.
 
Shine Your Light. It will change your life and all around you.