“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” Isaiah 9:2
Darkness came to the people of Israel when the Assyrians took them into captivity. The northern kingdom of Israel was never restored and became what we know as Samaria. During and after the captivity, the Israelites were living in total darkness. With today´s verses, the prophet Isaiah tells the people that, even though they were living in a season of darkness, they would see a great light. The light would shine upon them eventually.
These verses refer to Jesus´ second coming. In His first coming, Jesus Christ came to earth as a baby in a manger in Bethlehem, just as prophesied. Jesus fulfilled many of the prophecies of the Messiah during His birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection. However, there are some prophecies regarding the Messiah that Jesus has not yet fulfilled. The second coming of Christ will be the return of Christ to fulfill these remaining prophecies. In His first coming, Jesus was the suffering Servant. In His second coming, Jesus will be the conquering King. In His first coming, Jesus arrived in the most humble of circumstances. In His second coming, Jesus will arrive with the armies of heaven at His side. He will come back as the King and sit on the throne in Jerusalem.
We were in darkness before Jesus saved us. Even now, as Christians, a black cloud of darkness occasionally forms over our heads when life gets hard. Today´s verses give us hope. Jesus takes us out of the darkness. When we cling to Him and His Word, there is no corner He can´t brighten. There is no darkness He can´t clear.
Oh Jesus, You took Your people out of the darkness of captivity. You took me out of the darkness of my sin. I thank You for the hope I have in You, that even on the darkest days of my life, You guide me and strengthen me. Amen.