Isaiah 9:2 The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.
Our verse is a prophetic promise of hope and comfort. It foretells a time when God will end spiritual gloom, oppression, and despair by sending life-changing light to the world. The LIGHT that was sent was God’s own Son, Jesus Christ. We know this because Matthew tells us in Matthew 4 that Jesus is this light. You might recall what Matthew wrote: 12 When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, He withdrew into Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth behind and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14 This was to fulfill (**a KEY word in the Book of Matthew **) what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 15 Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, along the sea road, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles! 16 The people who live in darkness have seen a great light, and for those living in the shadowland of death, light has dawned.”
As you consider how VALUABLE light is, think of a time you experienced physical darkness. For me, growing up in the country, we would have some very bright and beautiful nights when the sky was clear, as the stars and the moon would light up the sky. However, on those nights where the thick clouds covered the sky, we would experience what we described as “pitch dark.” I recall a night I was walking through our cattle barn and the electricity went out, leaving the barn in complete darkness. Because I was walking where the cattle were, fear gripped my heart. Unable to see anything, I knew the next step could be trouble, and sure enough, the next step had me tripping over a cow. Oh, how I appreciate LIGHT!!
Moving from the physical,l I encourage you to think about a time you were in spiritual darkness. There are many for me, and I am sure for you. I find myself relating well to Proverbs 4:19 that says, “The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble.” Oh, the mistakes, sinful mistakes I made and the misconceptions I had about God. That all changed when I got saved! Now I relate to Proverbs 4:18, which says, “But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.” Every day with Jesus is not only sweeter but brighter! How about you?
When it comes to spiritual darkness, you don’t have to live in darkness with all it fears. Put your trust in Jesus Christ, who is the GREAT LIGHT!
Continue Strong with Jesus as your LIGHT!
And remember to DATE the Word