When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee. But instead of going to Nazareth, he went to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy: “In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River — in Galilee where so many Gentiles live — the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.” From then on, Jesus began to preach, “Turn from your sins and turn to God, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Matthew 4:12-17 (NLT)
Light may be a glow. Light can be a beam. Light may be bright or dim. Light can illuminate space or be focused on a point. Light can be as radiant as the sun, as luminous as the moon, or simply twinkle like the stars. But, in any form when light is seen from the depths of darkness, it serves as a beacon of hope and direction.
And Jesus shined the light of hope in our world directing us to repent and surrender to the Kingdom of Heaven. Perhaps repentance is only a flickering glow in the darkness but it will lead us to the radiance of the kingdom.
And the Kingdom of Heaven may only be a beam of hope flashing across the black sea of time but it will guide us safely to the brilliant shores of eternal reality. There we will see our God fully illuminated in his glory. There we will see . . . fully illuminated by the light of his glory. “For now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face . . .” (1 Cor. 13:12 KJV). But dear friend, it all begins with repentance and getting into the Kingdom.
Dear Father, thank you for your light that shines in the darkness of our sinful world. Forgive us our debts and trespasses as we forgive others for theirs. Illuminate our souls with the flood light of eternal salvation. Empower us with faith that endures to the end. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Be encouraged today in the light of repentance and God’s kingdom,