READING: Isaiah 8-10, Ephesians 4
In our devotions last week, we were reminded that we are all dead in our sin apart from Jesus. We live in rebellion, rejecting the One who created us and who is the only One worthy of praise. We’re simply in trouble apart from Him. Such was the situation, too, for the Hebrews who had chosen not to follow God is Isaiah’s day. They would not listen to the prophet, instead choosing to live in wandering, dejection, affliction, and darkness.
But . . . God would step in in His time as He sends the Messiah: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness” (Isa 9:2). Those who remained faithful—that is, the remnant who held tightly to their beliefs and their faith—would find hope in the assurance that light would eventually drive out the darkness. That day would bring great celebration, joy, and freedom. The One whose name would be “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isa 9:6) would make all the difference in the world.
So it is for us, too. When we were living in darkness, God chose in grace to shine the light of the gospel into our lives. Now, no matter how dark the world gets, we have the light of Christ in us. We have the assurance of hope that non-believers cannot have.
PRAYER: “God, I praise You for sending light into the darkness. Thank You for the hope You give us.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: If unexpected darkness touches your world today, look to the light of Christ.
TOMORROW’S READING: Isaiah 11-14, Ephesians 5:1-21