Isaiah 9:1-2* The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing...
I just absolutely love seeing words in the Old Testament and finding the prophecies come to life in the New Testament. In Matthew 4:13-16, after learning that John was arrested, Jesus went to live in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, which in Isaiah 8* were the first lands God degraded. So these were to be the first lands God restored, and we see Isaiah tell us the people who walked in darkness (because they had turned away from God) have seen a great light (restoration after destruction). In Matthew, we understand that Jesus is the great light! As he was the restoration for the people of Zebulun and Naphtali first, he is the restoration for all those who were in darkness.
Isaiah 9 goes on to prophesy a child is to be born, and over his kingdom he will judge and give justice now and forever. At the end of the section in Matthew 4:17, Jesus tells the people “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.” We know Jesus was that child, born to become our savior. To rule from heaven and give swift justice.
Jesus is our light. Darkness is no more than the absence of light. If you are stuck in a place of darkness, he can be your way out. He can be your restoration. This is the light you want to seek and follow.
*My Bible is the New American Bible St. Joseph Edition, and I realize that it had chapter 8 and 9 numbered differently than other versions. But it is still all the same words and meaning, regardless of what the verses are numbered.
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