Isa 9.1 “Nevertheless the dimness [shall] not [be] such as [was] in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict [her by] the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. 2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”
We learn from the gospel of Matthew that this prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled by The Lord Jesus Christ. True, this prophecy has an historical fulfillment; but the impact of this prophecy extends far beyond His time on earth, for the power of His light dispels darkness today. Beloved, one of the terms used in Scripture to define this fallen world system is darkness. The values and standards of this fallen world system are contrary to those of the kingdom of God. Peter reminds us of the fact that 1 Peter 2:9 “But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” Our unredeemed flesh is a strong entity. So much so that we need to be reminded of the fact that God in His glorious power and grace has redeemed out of this world system of darkness.
Dear ones, through faith in Jesus’ perfect life, sacrifice on the cross, resurrection and ascension into heaven, we have been pulled out of this dark world system of living. We now are able to walk in the light of God’s Word with The Lord every day. Truth be told, there are many days and many times when we do not “feel” the presence or closeness of The Lord. Nevertheless, we allow the truth of God to offset any temporal urge to leave the light of the narrow path, to the wider path of destruction. Isaiah 50:10 “Who [is] among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh [in] darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.” It is by choosing to fear God and obey His voice that we overcome the darkness of the world.
Remember who you are in Jesus this morning, beloved. 1 Thessalonians 5:5 “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.” Tell yourself that before you make you first phone call or send your first email. Tell yourself that before you walk into that classroom, or office or factory. The darkness of the world will be there to test you, tempt you, lure you into it’s wicked web of deceit. Determine afresh to follow The Light of Jesus, not the darkness of this world.
On one hand, wherever The providence of God sends us today, those without Christ are our mission field. We are to love them. Serve them. Pray for them. But under no certain terms do we betray our allegiance to Jesus to walk in darkness with them. 2 Corinthians 6:14 “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” Beloved, stay close to Jesus today. Walk in the light of His truth, and experience afresh the gladness of Jesus Himself. Psalms 97:11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
