Jesus, the light of the world
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. — Isaiah 9:2
How do you cause the sun to go down and never come up again?The rise and fall of nations can easily be compared to the rising and setting of the sun. Whenever a nation rises to prominence, it eventually falls. Whenever a nation is invaded or oppressed, it usually rises back up.
But Tiglath-Pileser III, ruler of the Assyrian empire from 745-727 B.C., found a way to break the cycle. He found a way to bring nations to the ground, never to rise again. How? Forced deportation.
Rather than allowing a conquered people to remain in their homeland, he scattered them across the empire. Separated from their fellow countrymen and removed from their homeland, revolt was impossible.
It was this kind of permanent darkness that was in store for the northern tribes of Israel. They were consulting mediums and spiritists rather than seeking the Lord’s revelation. And, unlike previous instances of oppression at the hands of neighboring nations, this time it would be permanent. Darkness would settle in, and the sun would never rise again.
This makes Isaiah’s other prophecy about this region that more remarkable. To a land that would never see dawn again, the Lord offers the hope of light. When the time came to send the light of the world into the world, this very same area would be where the first rays of dawn would shine forth.
The story of the northern tribes of Israel serves as a wonderful reminder regarding God’s ultimate purpose for our lives. The light he promises us does not consist of societal peace, worldly success, or temporal prosperity.
No, the light God delivers to us far exceeds even our greatest expectations. In a world completely darkened by sin and death, God shines the light of his love and salvation. That light is fully embodied in Jesus Christ. That light is purely an act of his grace.
Happy that God shines the light of salvation on me through Jesus, just like you!