Thursday, February 3, 2011
Matthew 4:16 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.
THE CHRIST LIGHT DISPELS THE DARKNESS
Towards the beginning of His ministry Jesus traveled to Capernaum, a city located in northern Palestine on the shores of Lake Galilee. Capernaum was a bustling, thriving, seaside, fishing town. The people who lived there were intelligent people in lots of ways. But they were ignorant in the biggest way for they knew little or nothing about the true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent to save them. The whole Roman province of Galilee, in fact, had become a melting pot of all kinds of false religious beliefs that had no power to save a single soul from death. The way to eternal life in the Messiah was completely unknown to most. But this was about to change. When Jesus came there preaching God's Word, many of Galilee's citizens were led to an acute awareness of their spiritual need and the happy realization of where this need could be met, in the Light of the World, whom they came to love and trust and worship.
This is something for which you too have reason to be thankful, for the Lord has worked the same miracle in your heart. How is it that you know Jesus as the Bread of Life who bestows the gifts of forgiveness and love that sustain your faith, through whom you have been blessed with God's gift of eternal life? Why do you enjoy worshiping Him as your Good Shepherd who is the ultimate source of care and love for your life here and hereafter? How is it that you recognize Him as the Door of the sheep through whom you have gained access into the Holy Christian Church and ultimately into the mansions of the Savior? How come you know Him as the Vine who supplies you with the spiritual energy and vitality you need for producing fruits of faith to His glory? Answer: The God who said, "Let there be light" in the darkness on creation day one, "and there was light," has shined His Gospel lamp into your heart and blessed you with saving faith in His Son. Praise Him!
