The Promised Light in Darkness

​Isaiah 9:2 ~ “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwell in darkness, on them has light shone.”
 
As we near the day of the LORD’s advent, the coming of the Messiah—the King of kings who will be the Savior of the world, there is a light that shines brightly from the LORD through Isaiah. By some, the book of Isaiah has been dubbed the “Gospel of the Old Testament” for it glows with prophetic illumination the very promise of the birth, life, death, resurrection and return of the LORD Jesus Christ. Let us gaze upon this light today as we prepare our hearts for the day we celebrate the birth of the King. Take a moment and read Isaiah 9:1-7 as we shall, from this text, draw near to the Light of the World.
 
We begin by recognizing that Jesus will come to a people in darkness. We read from our text above, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” The darkness of unbelief, the lack of truth and righteousness shrouds the world like an impenetrable shadow. The real experience of the people of earth is spiritual blindness, moral corruption—in a word: sin. People meander about in this life, lost in the blindness of unbelief. It is to these people that the Light of the World must shine. Jesus said in John 12:46, “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” Oh that His light would shine all the brighter today for our world is filled with millions who are still walking in darkness.
 
Isaiah 9:3 ~ “You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoils.”
 
There is, from the LORD, a real promise of joy. In the prophetic message of the coming Light of the World, there is in those who believe on the LORD unto salvation a real effect of everlasting joy. They who have opened their eyes to the truth and have come to know their burden of sin lifted through Jesus Christ, will have their joy increased as if they had won the greatest of all victories. The burden of sin will be lifted, the oppressed will discover freedom and the spiritually blind will see. Like laborers reaping a plentiful harvest, there will be an abundance of joy for all who trust in the Lord. Consider the promise of our LORD in John 15:11, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” The fullness of joy comes only through Jesus Christ. Hear the declaration of Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
 
Isaiah 9:6-7 ~ “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
 
Why does all this light and joy come to us who believe? Not because of us. Our text continues, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.” This is the Son of God, the One who was sent by the Father to be the Redeemer and LORD. In Christ, beloved, we have a powerful deliverer. Light is coming into the world and the darkness has no power to prevent it. The promise given is not of a weak and worthless dictator but a powerful and personal Deliverer. The Light of the World, the Lord Jesus Christ, He is the Child born and the King who will reign now and forevermore. It is He who will establish it and uphold it. It is Jesus who will have a government of everlasting peace. Justice and righteousness will be the banner of His kingdom. We find in Revelation 19:16, “On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”
 
Let us heed the words of Isaiah 50:10, “Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.” We are given, in Jesus Christ the LORD, the promised Light in the darkness. If you are still walking in darkness and have not yet come to believe on the LORD Jesus, I implore you to open your eyes to Him. And, dear Christian, let us take this season of Christmas and remember who is the promised Light in the darkness.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

---