It Dawned On Me
Let Jesus Dawn on You! When Jesus “Dawns” Everything Changes.
That such an area should be the place of revelation of the Jewish Messiah needed to be justified (cf. 2:23), and that justification Matthew finds in Isaiah’s prediction of new light dawning in Galilee after the devastation caused by the Assyrian invasion.
The first word of Isaiah 9 is “nevertheless,” introducing the contrasting light and hope brought to Israel by the Messiah. The portion quoted by Matthew is a carefully selected segment of the larger message of hope for Israel. Any Jew familiar with his Bible would have recognized Matthew’s quote and would have made the connection to the remaining, unquoted portions (Isa. 9:3–7). Among the promises made here are the renewed covenant blessing on Israel; the removal of the oppressor’s yoke; the birth of the promised child, whose name will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” and his reign on David’s throne in justice and righteousness. There was no doubt who this Jesus is. Matthew clearly identified Jesus’ move to Capernaum as the “official” beginning of his public ministry and as the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy.
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near (4:17) underlies virtually everything Jesus taught in 4:17–16:20. The king made a legitimate offer of the long-promised kingdom to the long-promised people—Israel. By contrast, from 16:21 on, Jesus’ teaching dealt predominantly with the preparation of his disciples for his coming death, resurrection, and ascension.
Let Jesus Dawn on You!
When Jesus “Dawns” Everything Changes.
Live With Hope. 16
In the Antarctic summer of 1908–9, Sir Ernest Shackleton and three companions attempted to travel to the South Pole from their winter quarters. They set off with four ponies to help carry the load. Weeks later, their ponies dead, rations all but exhausted, they turned back toward their base, their goal not accomplished.
Altogether, they trekked 127 days. On the return journey, as Shackleton records in The Heart of the Antarctic, the time was spent talking about food—elaborate feasts, gourmet delights, sumptuous menus. As they staggered along, suffering from dysentery, not knowing whether they would survive, every waking hour was occupied with thoughts of eating.
Jesus, who also knew the ravages of food deprivation, said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for RIGHTEOUSNESS.” We can understand Shackleton’s obsession with food, which offers a glimpse of the passion Jesus intends for our quest for righteousness.
As the man of pleasure, by a vain attempt to be more happy than any man can be, is often more miserable than most men are; so the sceptic, in a vain attempt to be wise beyond what is permitted to man, plunges into a darkness more deplorable, and a blindness more incurable, than the common herd whom he despises, and would fain instruct.
Colton.
Live With Help.
Live with Purpose.
Knowledge of what sin is in inverse ratio to its presence; only as sin goes do you realize what it is; when it is present you do not realize what it is because the nature of sin is that it destroys the capacity to know you sin.
—Oswald Chambers
He realized that as a result of his unique mission many would consider him a “superstar,” for sure an international celebrity. Humbled by the awesome goodness of God, Colonel Irwin shared his true feelings, which went something like this:
“As I was returning to Earth, I realized that I was a servant—not a celebrity. So I am here, as God’s servant on planet Earth to share what I have experienced that others might know the glory of God.”