December 23: Isaiah 9:1-2 / Matthew 4:12-16

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)

Hope, Fulfillment and Expectation.  Every time I get in my vehicle, put my key in the ignition or press the Start button, my expectation is that the engine will turn over and start up, and that I will be able to drive said vehicle to my destination. 

But, what about the day when it won’t turn over, and it won’t start up? The tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali were the first tribes taken away into slavery by the Assyrian Empire. Then, 700 years passed before Matthew wrote his Gospel, which quotes the prophecy of Isaiah 9, included with this devotion.

After 700 years, from a worldly perspective, hope in restoration for these tribes was all but lost.  But, even before their enslavement, God had already prophesied what would happen, including both their enslavement and their future hope. 

In Matthew 4, Jesus begins His preaching ministry on earth in Galilee, the land of the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali, as proof that our God keeps His promises. Jesus is the Light of God that brings us out of darkness and into His Light.  Jesus came into our world to be the fulfillment of all that was necessary for us to not only have hope, but eternal salvation.  God keeps His promises.

Pastor Carl Brewer
St. John’s Lutheran (LCMS) - Luxemburg



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