Tag Archives: John

Darkness is not the End of the Story

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Sea of Galilee

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Suggested Reading: Isaiah 9:1-7

The previous chapter ends on a gloomy note: “Then they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness.” But that is not the end of the story. Darkness never is the end of the story since the Light of the world is eternal and He will never leave His people in darkness –no matter if they got themselves in darkness or not.

As we continue reading, we see the next chapter starts with words of hope –the most hope-inspiring words imaginable: “Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress…The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; and on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” That light is the Lord Jesus Christ, who confirmed these words when He said, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

In the past God humbled His people who disregarded His ways and His teachings. They inquired of mediums sooner than they would inquire of their God. Yet, in His great mercy, God fills them with hope and encourages them. Although He humbled them and cast them in utter darkness, they will see the Light who is to come into the world. God desired to honour Zebulun and Naphtali. He especially had in mind to honour Galilee –a place of Gentiles. His consideration of the Gentiles proves that His light will be available to “whoever follows” Him. God does not show favouritism. His mercy will extend beyond the borders of Israel.

He included all those who wanted to follow Him, from every tribe and tongue, language and nation. As the Psalmist David said when He spoke of the Messiah in Psalm 2: God will make the nations His inheritance –not just one nation. God will make the ends of the earth His possession, not one geographical location. Paul makes it clear in Galatians 3:16 that this Seed of Abraham through whom all nations will be blessed is one person and not many “seeds”. This Seed is Jesus Christ.

The arrival of this Light results in exceeding joy in God’s people. It shatters the yokes of burden (hard religious slavery to impress God) and breaks the bars of sinful imprisonment by their oppressor. They were slaves to sin, sold by Adam their father. Jesus picks up on this sad condition of mankind when He says, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” But He brings hope as well, “If the Son sets you free you will be free indeed.”  And why is all this possible?

For unto us a child is born…

And this child will become the Ruler of God’s Kingdom (the government will be upon His shoulders). In the book of Revelation He is called the King of kings; the Lord of lords. This CHILD is the express image of the Invisible God:

Holy Spirit

The character of the Holy Spirit, for He will be called “Wonderful Counsellor.” Jesus called the Holy Spirit the Counsellor when He was preparing His followers for the coming of the Holy Spirit after He has returned to His Father (see John 14, 16).

Mighty God

Furthermore, this child will be called, “Mighty God.” He is God Incarnate. He is Immanuel –God with us. He is the Word that was God and became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus is God. Jesus is God who became a man to become the Saviour of humanity. Later in Isaiah God says that He will Himself become their Saviour –apart from Him there is no other Saviour.

Everlasting Father

This child is also called the “Everlasting Father”. God is our Father. Jesus is God. Although He is equal to God, He became a humble servant and as an obedient Son showed us the way to relate to God as our Father. He is the Way to the Father. No one comes to the Father but by Him.

Prince of Peace

He is the Prince of Peace. There is no peace without His reign. Since peace cannot exist where righteousness does not exist, any peace outside of Christ is an illusion. It never lasts. But His peace is deep, rooted in our hearts and soars above storms and keeps us anchored in His love, a peace that transcends human understanding. But this peace will ultimately extend to the entire world as His government is set up on the kingdom of the earth. All power in heaven and earth has been given to Him. He will rule forevermore. God made a promise to His servant David that one of his descendants will rule forever on David’s throne. That descendant is Jesus Christ. He will uphold that reign with justice and righteousness. In Psalm 89:14, it is written that justice and righteousness are the foundation of His throne. No rule can last forever without these two foundational factors. Righteousness is integral to everlasting peace. A ruler who does not do the right thing will not be able to promote peace, not for long anyway.

But of the Rule of Christ it is written,

Of His peace there will be no end

God will do this and no one can stand in His way.

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