“the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Mat 4:16 NIV)
“Is there any hope?” This is the cry of souls “living in darkness” and “the shadow of death.” Where there is hope there is both light and life. Hope illuminates our darkness. Hope gives life to our shadows of death.
Our families, friends, and associates need encouragement. They are discouraged, angry, distressed, and afraid. They need hope! Political shenanigans, medical worries, rising unemployment , financial woes, economic downturns, retirement concerns, military conflicts, and terrorist threats are just a few reasons why people live in darkness and shadows of death. Yet there is hope for them!
In the prophet’s day people needed hope and encouragement. He gave his people hope by writing positively, confidently of a better day. As the light of that new day dawned in Matthew’s time, people still looked for hope in their darkness and death. And in our day there are those who have no hope. They have missed the light that shines in darkness and takes away the sting of death.
The hope of light . . . the hope of life came to us in a baby’s birth in first century Bethlehem of Judea. The prophet’s hope for Israel! Matthew’s hope for his time! Our hope for time and eternity! The hope of all nations!
Dear Father, thank you for the hope we have in your Son, Jesus Christ. He is the light that shines in our darkness. He is the life that conquers death. Lord Jesus, be our light and life for our daily walk. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in the hope of all nations,