No more gloom for those in distress! Although the Lord greatly humbled the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, He will one day bestow upon them great honor—from the Mediterranean eastward to the other side of the Jordan and throughout the Galilee of the Gentiles. Those who walked in darkness have seen a radiant LIGHT shining upon them. They once lived in the shadows of death, but now a glorious LIGHT has dawned! (Isaiah 9:1-2 TPT)
JESUS came to illuminate our lives! HE is the LIGHT that lights every person (John 1:9). The world lay shrouded in darkness after the fall of man, with many held captive by the enemy's works. Those oppressed often carry a certain gloom, appearing dark and sullen. This was our condition—this was you and me—before and during JESUS' arrival. Everyone was afflicted by the enemy, many for generations due to curses spoken in their family lines.
Zebulun and Naphtali were the first regions to experience the Assyrian invasion. However, JESUS visited them first with HIS LIGHT, allowing them to be among the first to enjoy the blessings of HIS ministry, as great works were performed among them. This was their honor, which erased every shame. They had the privilege of hosting the KING of kings and MESSIAH, whose presence would dispel every darkness and bring forth LIGHT. Remarkably, John 1 states that the darkness cannot withstand or overcome the LIGHT that shines, even JESUS HIMSELF.
Throughout our lives, JESUS continually knocks at our hearts. I am certain that those regions HE visited recognized their distress and humbly welcomed HIM. Conversely, other areas rejected HIS ministry and missed out. We too bear the responsibility of accepting JESUS into our lives, families,regions,countries so that HIS presence in our lives will dispel every darkness within us. The Bible tells us that HE stands at the door of our hearts and knocks; if we let HIM in, HE will dine with us (Revelation 3:20). Every individual with whom JESUS dined experienced transformation—like HIS disciples and Zacchaeus . When JESUS dines with you, it is a lifelong blessing; HIS presence remains with us always.
The choice is yours: will you allow this LIGHT to shine in your life? Unlike our interactions with others where we may hide our flaws to maintain a certain image, there is no reason to conceal anything from GOD. HE knows everything—your parents may not know, nor your loved ones or even your spouse—but nothing is hidden from GOD. HE is fully capable of confronting every darkness unlike men who may listen and criticize, gossip or disassociate from you. JESUS came to shine HIS LIGHT; when we lower our walls of pride and arrogance and humbly accept HIM into our lives, we will witness HIM come in and cleanse every mess because more than we do, HE knows everywhere we are hurting and the root of it.
Perhaps life has not treated you fairly; maybe like Zebulun and Naphtali, you feel crushed under gloom and depression—JESUS is your answer. When we surrender our lives to HIM, HE can address even those darkest areas that medicine, therapy, counseling, routines, or exercise have failed to resolve. This is why we call HIM MASTER JESUS, SAVIOR, MESSIAH. HE is MASTER over all things.
Today, you can invite HIM into your life. It does not matter how far you have strayed or any past declarations you have made against being part of HIS fold; here stands JESUS today with open arms, ready to welcome you. HE assures us:
"But everyone my Father has given to me will come to me, and all who come to me I will embrace and will never turn them away." (John 6:37 TPT)
Today is your day of salvation! Embrace the LIGHT and step into an unending cycle of victories, relief, and indescribable joy! Do not hesitate; just as an airline calls out for its passengers before departure—this may be your final call before leaving this earth or before JESUS returns. Tomorrow is never promised; however, with JESUS, we can trust that it will be good.
Heavenly FATHER, I thank YOU for my life. I admit that I am a sinner. Please have mercy on me. I know that without YOU, I cannot navigate this life. Today, I accept YOU as my LORD and personal SAVIOR; please take control of my life.
Dear LORD,
I am grateful that YOU came. Thank YOU for LIGHT. Thank YOU for being THE ANTIDOTE to every darkness and problem I will ever face and face today. Please help me to continually live in surrender to YOU. Glory be to YOUR HOLY NAME in JESUS mighty name. AMEN!
