Have you ever slept under the stars? The stars may be millions of miles away, but they can be seen clearly on a dark night. In our story from Isaiah, it talks about light and darkness in reference to the coming of Jesus. 2 The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. [1]Isaiah 1:2
In the Bible, darkness is associated with sin and evil and light is connected with good and God. The people Isaiah writes about are walking in darkness because they don’t have faith in the Lord. In simple terms, they are unbelievers. When I am walking in darkness, I am not in a relationship with the Lord and on the wrong path in life.
The people may be walking in darkness, but in the midst of this, they will see a great light. This great light that will come into the world is the Light of Christ. Jesus calls himself the Light of the world in John 8:12. Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” [2]
To walk in the Light is to follow the Good Shepherd who loves us and gave His life for us upon the cross. The writer of Matthew quotes Isaiah, the prophet, as Jesus begins His ministry.
12 When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee. 13 He went first to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14 This fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah: 15 “In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River, in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, 16 the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.” 17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” [3] Matthew 4:12-17.
What does Jesus call those who are walking in darkness to do? To repent! Notice He calls them to turn from their sins and turn to Him as their Savior. When they do, they walk out of darkness into the Light, the Light of Jesus.
What path are you on? Are you walking in darkness or walking in the Light? If you are walking in darkness, the Lord is calling you this very hour to turn from your sin and turn to Him. When we confess our sins and ask Jesus to be our Lord, we begin to walk in the Light.
If you are walking in the Light, is the Lord calling you into a deeper relationship with Him? He wants a relationship with you so that He empowers you to lead others to the Light of Jesus.
[1, 2, 3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Isaiah 9:2, John 8:12, Matthew 4:12-17). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
Amen!