The Light Has Come

Isaiah 9:1–7 “1 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. “2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. 3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”

Introduction

Isaiah chapter 9 is one of the most hopeful prophecies in the OT

Aimed at Israel, it speaks of the advent of the Christ, and hope for God’s people

Isaiah begins by speaking of the darkness Israel faced, and how the advent of Christ would be as lighting shattering the darkness

In the Bible, the metaphors of darkness and light are frequently used.

Interpreted much the same way we do in society, darkness depicts sin, suffering, deeds considered wicked, or without having knowledge; whereas light is considered as becoming aware or informed, acts and deeds that are noble and right. These are contrasted against one another.

Intellectually, light is truth and darkness ignorance or error.

Morally, light is purity and darkness evil.

John Robert Walmsley Stott (English Preacher)

Darkness is real (2)

Assyrians, under Tiglath-Pilesar, invaded and captured Israel, Zebulun & Naphtali (Galilee) were the first to succumb

people “walking in darkness…who dwell in a land of deep darkness”

Genesis depicts darkness into which God spoke and brought light.

While this is literal darkness/light, it also foreshadows the darkness that is going to come into the world via sin and Christ coming as the light into the darkened world

John 11:9–10 “9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.””

Darkness is my point of view, my right to myself; light is God’s point of view.

Oswald Chambers (Lecturer and Missionary)

Light breaks through (2)

“a great light…on them has light shone”

Who is “them”? Those in darkness

The light depicts Christ’s message and lChrist as depicted as the Light himself

The arrival of the Gospel and the Christ shatters evil and its effects

John 1:4–11 “4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.”

John 8:12 “12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.””

John 3:19–21 “19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.””

John 12:35–36 “35 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them.”

John 12:46 “46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.”

Joy is unleashed (3-5)

national fruitfulness, natural resources (v. 3)

breaking of bondage (v. 4 )

removal of conflict (v. 5 )

The arrival of Jesus promises to affect every aspect of life

In eschatology, Christ’s ultimate work will be a renewing of Creation

The King is coming (4-7)

Government, throne of David, kingdom

Isaiah speaks of arrival of Christ the King, not just the baby in a manger

Isaiah 60:1–3 “1 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. 2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. 3 And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.”

First in captivity; first to freedom (1)

Zebulun & Naphtali (Galilee) first to captivity, but Galilee would be ground zero for Christ’s ministry.

The very place that first went into slavery was the first to hear Messiah’s message

Conclusion