Daily RCL Bible Reading Devotional – January 30th, 2016

Scripture Reading(s)

Isaiah 9:1-2

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—

Reflection(s)

I think that this passage speaks on Gods future promise to those who remain faithful to Him. I think it paints a clear message of the gospel and that God promises to bring us out of darkness and into His saving light.

I remember when someone had asked me how I felt when I first became a Christian I told them it was as if I had been living in a dark tunnel and that when God saved me, it was as if I was seeing for the first time. I was finally able to recognize my sin and the darkness that I was living in.

I believe this passage brings a message of hope and if gives us a glimpse of what our future hope looks like when we He comes back to take us all to be with Him.

The gospel of Jesus is often thought of as a secondary plan by God. But we can see that God always planned on bringing salvation to the gentiles. In Isaiah’s day God was increasingly hinting towards the fact that the messiah was coming and that He would bring a new covenant that includes the gentiles.

At the time this passage was written Israel had already been deported by the Akkadians. The northern tribes of Nebulun and Naphtali were surrounding the sea of Galilee. In the time of Jesus it was full of Gentiles and Samaritans. Yet, God spoke through Isaiah that He would honor Galilee despite not being part of the covenant with Israel.

What is this future kingdom going to be like? Those who were once in the dark will now be in the light. This is the light of Jesus our savior. But like Israel we have the responsibility of serving the Lord and being that light to the nations. Let us never grow tired of sharing the grace of God with those in the dark.