Seeing and Being God’s Light

Isaiah 9: 1-4, Matthew 4:12-23

The Isaiah passage which turns out to be a fulfilled prophecy that those in Naphtali who have dwelled in darkness have now seen a great light. This light has shined and has multiplied exultation – intense happiness, increasing their joy like the joy at harvest. This is because the yoke of their burden and the rod of their oppressor have been broken. The New Testament community who knows these verses shown in the quoting of it in Matthew sees these hopes to be fulfilled by a child who would grow to establish a righteous kingdom.

Matthew 4 tells about the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. It begins after John the Baptist’s ministry ends as he is arrested. Jesus seems to be continuing his ministry by shouting the same “Repent.” Yet instead of adding “and be saved” he says, “Repent for the kingdom of God has drawn near.”

Jesus has left Nazareth and now lives in the territory of Naphtali which fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy. Jesus goes around preaching the good news – the joyous message of God’s reign. Jesus is the one who will turn their darkness into light since he is the light which has dawned. For those in the region where the shadow of death has been, the light of salvation has come. Jesus goes throughout Galilee proclaiming this good news of the kingdom and curing people of every disease and sickness.

In the middle of this Jesus calls his disciples. His light shines so brightly they leave their livelihood and families to follow him. Later they will shine Jesus’ love in mission.

How bright does the light of the good news of the kingdom of God shine in you? There are times in our own lives and in our country where the light can barely be seen at all with the dark deeds being done in the world. War, Violence, and shooting of peaceful protesters is what some of the darkness consists of. Yet we have seen the light and have the hope that someday God will overcome the darkness. We do, however, need to do our part by letting the light shine through us into our lives where we work to seek peace and freedom of speech.

Jesus not only cured the physical sickness of people but also their spiritual sickness. They were to repent from their sins and turn to the light and turn away from darkness. Let us help others return from the darkness to see the light of Christ reflected in us as we help promote the kingdom of God. Amen.

 

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