Prophecy 7: Isaiah 9:1-2

Daily Thoughts – December 10^th

Prophecy 7: Isaiah 9:1-2

"Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan- The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."       - Isaiah 9:1-2

Isaiah 9:1-2 and cross references

The first thing to consider, realize that the times leading up to Isaiah's prophecy in ch 9 were filled with some very desperate times for the people of Israel. The threat about the coming invasion from Assyria had the Israelites in fear and gloom. Especially those regions in the North - Zebulun, and Nephtali. A little biblical geography: Nephtali was north and Zebulun was west of the Sea of Galilee. Nazareth is also west of the Sea of Galilee, near Zebulun. The Jordan river extends from the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee to the northern shores of the Dead Sea along the eastern border of Israel.

This word of prophecy was comforting and encouraging to the people of Judea and Israel, especially for those in the north so close to the Assyria border. The prophecy gives them an encouraging word from God that there is a special blessing in their future. Their land will be "...honored...a light has dawned" by God personally through the Messiah. Following the Assyrian invasion, these people in the north will experience walking in darkness, and therefore they will experience the light first. This was interpreted by them to mean that the Messiah would dwell in their territory and bring the light of the Lord to them and bring an end to their despair and trials.

After his birth in Bethlehem, Joseph and his family eventually return to their home in Nazareth. Jesus spends the majority of his life in and around the Sea of Galilee. He lived in Nazareth and Capernaum and spent significant time during His 3-year ministry in Cana, Bethsaida, Tiberius, Beth Shean, Tabgha and Bethany. All of this fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 9:2 "living in the land of the shadow of death <Assyrian invasion from the north> a light <Messiah> has arrived"

In desperation, the Israelites of the 7th Century BC found comfort in knowing that God would provide a Messiah. How much more blessed are we to have seen these prophecies fulfilled and have seen God keep His promises. This gives us confidence that He will also keep His promises regarding our future.

- Rich

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“He brought him (Simon) to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas" (which means Peter).”  – John 1:42

My Thoughts:

The sun was beating down on us as we stepped onto the small vessel.  The trip wasn’t going to be long, but we were all told to please stay seated as the waves were known to be turbulent at times.  Pushing away from the dock, we were all relaxing and taking in the sights stretching as far as one could see.  The water was dark blue, and seemed as deep as the ocean, although our guide told us it was only slightly more than 100 feet at it’s deepest point.  Soon, I lost my footing and fell into one of my traveling companions as the boat rocked from side to side.  Waves weren’t oceanic by nature, but definitely were substantial for a lake that is only 8 miles wide.  Then the winds started.  A perfectly blue sky, 85 degrees in the direct sun, but the chilling winds swirled around the lake and made us all reach for our jackets.  The boat we were on was around 25 feet long, 10 feet wide and made of wood.  It was a powered boat, but built as a replica of the fishing boats from the early biblical times.  It’s a weird feeling, looking around in all directions from the center of the Sea of Galilee and seeing the rolling hills, tree lines and desert mountains.  At 650 feet below sea level, it is the largest fresh water supply in Israel and has been fought over time and time again, for that very reason. 

As the boat made it’s way across the Sea of Galilee, we all became quiet.  Miracles had taken place right here.  The miracle of calming the waves and wind.  The miraculous catch of fish, by casting their net on the other side of their boat.  The miracle of walking on water – we realized the very water surrounding our boats had supported the feet of our Savior, and Peter the disciple.  The shores in the distance had been the ground where Jesus called his disciples to come and eat with Him; this being after He had died and been resurrected.  Peter, was forgiven, and became the strength of the 1^st century church from the shores of this incredible lake.

Simon, brother of Andrew and son of John, came from the city of Bethsaida, along the Jordan river.  He was a fisherman by trade alongside his brother and the sons of Zebedee – John and James.  There was a natural contempt for the Roman government, because of the taxes and guidelines that had been pressed down upon these men trying to make a simple living.  There was a knowledge of scriptures that was held true in the hearts of these men.  They longed for the Messiah to come and establish His church, and save them from the tyranny and law of the Romans.  I picture Simon as the violent type, ready to throw down and fight for his rights and the rights of his family.  Yet, when called by the Savior to “Follow Me, and become fishers of men”, something changed in Simon and according to the writings in Matthew and Mark, he dropped his nets and followed Him.  Jesus then gave Simon the name, Cephas (Peter).

Suppose you were at your work and a man walking up to you and said, Come, follow me.  The most likely reaction is one of disinterest and most would wave the man off as crazed or a threat of some nature.  These early disciples were in deep desire for salvation and longing for the Messiah.  As I look at today’s society, that longing is missing.  I find that we are very complacent in desiring the return of the Messiah.  If He showed up at your home today, would you give up everything you have to follow Him?

 Prayer:
Almighty God,
Today we pray for Your mercy Lord and Your vision in our life.  Let us see this life through Your eyes and feel the calling upon our soul to pursue You with a passion.  Much like the disciples of the early church, create in us a longing for Your return and a desire to follow You, in all that You would have for us.  Help us to become less dependent on man’s world and more focused on doing Your work.  In Your name I pray, Amen.

Be Blessed,

Rich

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