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.
Today, we contemplate the nature of the light Jesus provides us, as seen in Isaiah 9:1-2 and its fulfillment in Matthew 4:12-17.
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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)
This week we’ve given time to reflecting on our spiritual darkness, and how Jesus has saved us from such a place by His grace. Finally, today, I want us to think a little about the nature of the ‘light’ that is said to shine on us. We are told that ‘The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.’
1. Jesus was the light of God
Firstly, this is simply a reference to the ministry of Jesus in this region. As Jesus came, taught, healed, He was the light who was revealing God to them. He was God in the flesh (incarnate) with them. This is why John writes:
‘The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.’ (John 1:9)
‘No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.’ (1 John 1:18)
So, firstly, let’s remember that when we read the gospels, we are seeing a vision of the invisible God.
2. Jesus imparts the light of life
Secondly, this light, is about the salvation that Jesus imparts to us. As light casts out darkness, so faith in Christ casts out sin and death from those who will receive Jesus. This light-imparting life process is spoken of:
‘For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.’ (2 Corinthians 4:5-6)
3. Light casts out darkness
Finally, when the light of Jesus, by the Spirit, shines on one’s soul, darkness is cast out. This is why, after describing Jesus as Light, His ministry is described: ‘From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”’ Our response to light is to repent. The light of the gospel and the light of truth are to cast doubt, fear and sin from our lives - a process that continues throughout our lives.
In response, we must be receptive to the light of Jesus. Are we attentive to His revelations? Are we permitting the light of Christ to dispel sin, fear (including the fear of death), and unbelief from our lives? We can only experience the light of Christ if we are genuinely open to it.
Let’s pray together
“Lord Jesus, I praise you that you are the light of the world. Keep revealing yourself to me. Keep casting darkness out of my life. 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
We don't have a service on the 29th, but a church family walk from Wimbledon Windmill. Meet at the windmill at 10.30 am, 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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