Isaiah 9:1-2 “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 honour Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan – The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”
The recent global pandemic filled our world with gloom. Most of us have experienced the distress caused by disease, death, and economic recession. But Isaiah predicted a time when there would be no more gloom! He foretold of a coming Redeemer who would bring the dawning of a new day with hope and light for those living in a land of deep darkness.
That light dawned on Christmas morning in Bethlehem! Jesus Christ came to be the Light of the World! He brought hope for those whose lives had been filled with gloom. Matthew recorded the fulfillment of this prophecy:
Matthew 4:13-16 “Leaving Nazareth, He (Jesus) went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali – to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: ‘Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles – the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.’”
Those geographic regions of Zebulun and Naphtali were especially devastated by the Assyrians when the 10 Northern tribes of Israel fell to Assyria in 722 BC. But Isaiah says that these areas would be greatly honoured by the ministry of the coming Messiah!
Jesus was later identified with Galilee of the Gentiles, and His earthly ministry brought light and hope to those who lived in the land of the shadow of death. That light continues to shine today in our hearts when we put our faith in Jesus as our Savior from sin. He lifts us from our gloom to glory and gives us eternal life and joy! Even when we experience the troubles of this world, we find peace in knowing that Jesus will lead us safely through them!
In John 1:9, the apostle John refers to Jesus as “the true light” who came into the world to “give light to everyone.” In verse 5 he wrote, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” The New International Version says, “… the darkness has not overcome it.” An earlier version says, “… the darkness has not understood it.” Not even death could extinguish His light!
This was the miracle of Easter! It is the power of the resurrection, and that power is available to you and me today! The apostle Paul prayed that we would experience that power in our lives:
Ephesians 1:18-20 “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms …”Why not make this your prayer today. It will lift you from the gloom of this world and fill your life with light, hope, joy, and peace!