Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we begin our Christmas series, Emmanuel, where we're reflecting on the promises regarding God coming to us in Jesus. At present, I'm only posting on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Merry Christmas! Today, we contemplate Isaiah 9:1-2 and its realization in Matthew 4:12-17, focusing on the nature of the darkness from which Jesus liberates us.
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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.’ (Isaiah 9:1-2)
‘When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali — to fulfil 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.” From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”’ (Matthew 4:12-17)
In our previous devotional, we observed how the realization of Old Testament prophecy was an act of grace towards people in their sin. We noted how the people during Isaiah's time had turned away from God, resulting in the 'gloom' and 'distress' caused by God's discipline. Today, let's delve deeper into the meaning of 'darkness'.
1. Who is in darkness?
During Jesus' time, Galilee was looked down upon. Known as 'Galilee of the Gentiles' due to its diverse ethnic groups and religious practices, it was a place of darkness and suspicion. Yet, it was selected as the initial location for Jesus' light to shine, demonstrating that His grace extends to sinners and those often deemed unworthy by others.
We should not interpret this prophecy to imply that the people of Galilee were especially ‘dark’. Instead, it conveys a message for all humanity. Everyone is in spiritual darkness, having sinned and turned away from God. None are deserving of God’s grace. However, the Christmas story and Jesus’ ministry starting in Galilee demonstrate that God extends an invitation to everyone to experience His love and forgiveness through Christ.
The coming of Jesus by John, is described as Him coming into a world of darkness:
‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’ (John 1:5)
This world can be described as "darkness." Although this may seem severe, from God's viewpoint, all of creation and every individual have been tainted by sin. This is known as the doctrine of "Total Depravity," which implies that sin impacts everything. Despite the beauty that still exists in the world and within us, we are plagued by darkness, resulting in the sin and suffering we encounter.
2. What is spiritual darkness?
Our sinful condition is summed up: ‘The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.’ To ‘walk’ in darkness is to live in rebellion to God. Ephesians speaks of this sinful lifestyle:
‘As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.’ (Ephesians 2:1-3)
Before Jesus gave us His forgiveness and new birth, we ‘followed the ways of this world’ and were ‘deserving wrath’. As Jesus broke into the darkness of the people in Galilee, so He has broken into our darkness. This Christmas, let’s be reminded that God came to save people in the darkness of their sin, not those who were worthy of His grace. Whatever gifts we may receive today, the greatest gift is light to us in darkness!
Let’s pray together
“Lord Jesus, I thank you for your grace. I’m unworthy of your love and salvation. I’ve sinned against you and have fallen short of your glory. But I thank you that in your love and grace, you forgive and cleanse people like me. May your grace cause me to glory in you and your cross. Amen.”
Community Group Notes
Due to the Christmas break, I haven’t produced a study for Community Groups. If, however, you do decide to meet together, please choose one of the devotionals and discuss this together.
Note
Our Christmas Morning service will be at 10:00 for an hour.
We don't have a service on the 29th, but a church family walk from Wimbledon Windmill. Meet at the windmill at 10.30am, and either join in with the walk, or the café will be open to enjoy a nice coffee and a chat with others.
Sunday services will be back as normal on Sunday 5th January.
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