-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / WHAT JESUS DID! -- http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, January 31, 2009
The Dawning Light
Jesus did this to make happen what the prophet Isaiah said:
"{Look at} the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the
lands by the road that goes to the sea, the area past the
Jordan River-- Galilee, the land where non-Jewish people
live. Those people live in darkness, but they have seen a
great light; the light has come for those people that live in
the land that is dark like a grave."
-- Matthew 4:14-16 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
Few, if any, symbols are more widely known than light and darkness.
While our modern ability to light up darkness with a flick of a switch
has changed the intensity of our existential understanding of darkness,
it still persists. Most crimes occur during darkness. Many children
intuitively fear the darkness. We are often uneasy walking the streets
in darkness. When Jesus came to earth, the world was trapped in
spiritual darkness. His people's hopes lay shattered in the darkness of
their own failure and inability to throw off the yoke of hundreds of
years of dominating nations. Religiously, God's people had sunk into
deep darkness. God's people were led by corrupt priests -- the
Sadducees, who had sold out to the Romans; and strict Pharisees, who
were too demanding, who were often hypocritical, and who had lifestyles
out of the reach for most commoners. Vibrant personal faith among the
common people was a distant memory. No voice of a true prophet could be
heard. When John was arrested, Jesus went to a land in darkness to
bring light. He went to the most racially diverse area of Israelite
influence, Galilee, to sow the seed of a ministry to all nations. More
than just the start of Jesus' ministry, we are to hear in these few
short words in today's scripture the hope of the prophet Isaiah
realized:
To our darkness present so long,
God has sent his glorious dawn.
To our bitter, dreamless night,
Has dawned heaven's most glorious light (Isaiah 9:2 paraphrased).
TODAY'S PRAYER:
O Great Redeemer and glorious God, may I see in the dawn of each new
day a reminder of your glorious gift of Jesus. Please convict my heart
that only Jesus can cast away the darkness in my heart, in our land,
and in our world. Give me passion to share this hope with those I meet
who need Jesus' light to shine in their darkness. In the name of Jesus,
the Light of the world I pray. Amen.
>> NEW: Phil's What Jesus Did devotional is now
>> available as a book. Click below to order!
http://images.ultracart.com/aff/ACU9/1414/108/185/575/0/index.html
>> The WJD! web page has related scriptures and the
>> full text of today's key passage. Read it at:
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/matthew/0131-wjd.html
>> For further study of today's passage, use our
>> online Bible study site: SearchGodsWord.org!
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Matthew+4:14-16&sr=1&t=erv
/--- READY TO CHANGE THE WORLD? -----------------------------\
ACU students do every day! Click to find out more
about Abilene Christian University, recognized as one of
"America's Best Colleges" by the U.S. News & World Report.
\--- http://ads.heartlight.org/email/4/ ---------------------/
=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JESUS, by John MacArthur
What did Jesus mean when he said, "Follow me"? In this 20th anniversary
edition of his classic work, MacArthur warns against "easy believism,"
explains his understanding of biblical faith and works, emphasizes the
cost of discipleship, and ...
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?153
Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
each purchase you make, you're helping to support Heartlight's
ministry. Thanks SO MUCH for your help!
WHAT JESUS DID! from HEARTLIGHT /\/\
===============================================================\ /===
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd \/
This devotional is made possible by YOUR donations! If you've found
our emails encouraging or inspiring, we pray you'll give a voluntary
donation to keep this ministry going. Donations are NOT required,
but they are appreciated!
http://www.heartlight.org/support
What Jesus Did! is a 365-day devotional through the book of Luke.
It is written by Phil Ware <phil@heartlight.org> and is part of
HEARTLIGHT Magazine, the leading Christian living e-zine on the
Web. Visit HEARTLIGHT on the web for even more articles, plus
music, devotionals and more for your Christian walk!
http://www.heartlight.org
HOW DO I SUBSCRIBE?
It's FREE! To subscribe send a blank email to:
join-wjd@maillists.heartlight.org
HOW DO I LEAVE?
Send a blank email to the unsubscribe address:
wjd-unsubscribe@maillists.heartlight.org
STILL HAVING TROUBLE?
If our automated unsubscribe system isn't working for you,
send an email to mailmaster@heartlight.org and let us know
what list you would like to leave. We'll take care of you.
OTHER QUESTIONS?
Find answers to your frequently asked questions:
http://www.heartlight.org/help/faq/wjd.html
======================================================================
