Matthew 4:12-17
“Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles – the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.”
From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Jesus is the great light which has dawned. Since the promise to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:14-15 that God would “bruise his head,” the people of God have been waiting for a Savior to dispel the darkness and bring light and salvation to the world.
And what was Jesus’ message that would light up the world? “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” In other words, change your mind. Turn from sin. Turn from religious activity. Turn from trusting in what we can do. Jesus is at hand! The King of the Kingdom is here! Turn, repent, and follow Him. Follow the Great Light! Jesus!
Prayer: You Lord Jesus are the light of this world. All darkness flees in your presence. All praise to you, my Lord. Thank you for shining your light into my darkness. Please shine Your light into all the dark places that my flesh wants to keep You out of. Let Your light shines everywhere in me including my heart, my soul, my strength and my mind. Draw me into Your light, the Light. Open my eyes to see and my ears to hear. Heal me with Your light. By Your stripes I have been healed from the disease of sin. Thank you. Amen