The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2
Isaiah continues his prophecy of the future coming of Jesus. Jesus will bring light into the darkness caused by sin. The NIV says, “to those who walk in the land of the shadow of death…” When I read that phrase, I was reminded of Psalm 23 where David says, “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” This world is the valley of the shadow of death and decay we walk through each day.
The perfect world that Adam and Eve were placed in began decaying the moment they sinned against their Creator and Friend -God. Vegetation decayed; animal life decayed, human life decayed; all existence on earth decayed. But into all that putrefying decay comes the light and life-giving presence of Jesus Christ! With that light comes the promise that our souls can be restored and never again decay but live forever with Him in heaven. The earth may pass away, but His promises will remain true and reliable; you can count on them! There will be no decay in heaven, no sorrow, no sickness, no pain, no death. All signs of decay will vanish in the light of His presence!! The shadow of death will be replaced by the light of the Son.
Father, as I sit here on this rainy day with clouds shadowing the sun, I know that above those clouds is the brilliant light of the Son. I am reminded that no matter how dark it gets the Son is always shining. The darkness of death, disease, and disaster cannot extinguish the Son. The shadows of depression, discouragement and defeat cannot blot out the Son. In fact, the rains of testing and trials are often what cause us to grow and blossom in the light of our faith. Noting hinders the Son from bringing life out of death. Help us to look for the Son
Journey with Joyce 