“The People Who Sat In Darkness
Have Seen A Great Light”
Now when Jesus heard that John had
been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in
Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and
Napthali, so that what had been spoken through the
prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
“Land of Zebulun,
land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the
Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles – the people who sat in darkness have seen a
great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has
dawned.”
From that time Jesus began to
proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
A story is told of a preacher who gave
the same sermon, over and over. At some point the congregation wanted to know
when he would give a different one. His response is said to be that when they
got the first one, he would go on to the next one. He wanted them to live his
sermon.
When Jesus gave sermons, he repeated
themes as well. He wanted to make sure people understood what would be required
of them to be a part of His kingdom. He came to announce a whole new world
order that was totally out of step with life as it was usually lived. Themes
such as forgiveness, servanthood, and unconditional
mercy and grace were His consistent themes.
Two thousand years later that message
still should drive our lives. As soon as we start repenting and living under
the authority, reign, and rule of Jesus our King, we will experience His
benefits in our lives, we will give glory to His name, and we will be a
blessing to others.
A sermon is
not complete until it is put into practice.
Our Daily
Bread – March 25, 2007