Tag: Matthew 4:12-16
The dawning of a new day!
Scripture reading for July 31st: Isaiah 7-10
Key Scriptures: Isaiah 9:1-3 “Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past He humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future He will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by way of the sea, along the Jordan–The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before You as people rejoice a the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder.”
The land of Zebulun and Naphtali were the territories assigned to these tribes of Israel. This land was in the region of Galilee, the site of many invasions by Gentiles throughout Israel’s history. This land had been humbled by these invasions, but God was going to exalt this area by sending a great light there to that dark place of gloom and distress. Great joy would break out as in harvest or victory in war! Jesus Christ fulfilled this prophesy recorded again in the Gospel of Matthew.
Rejoicing in Light: “When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He returned to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali–to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and Land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles–“ (Matthew 4:12-16)