FOR UNTO US

 

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.

 

 

1.       Isaiah starts by saying in this prophecy there is no longer any doom and gloom for those who in anguish.  The days of feeling low, dejected, alone, severe mental or physical pain or suffering are coming to an end.  This agony and not being able to see a way out is over. 

2.      Isaiah says the former time that others viewed with contempt are over.  Galilee was in the hill country.  There were no major cities like in Judah.  Remember how one person said, “Can anything good come from Nazareth or Galilee.” 

3.      Isaiah says something wonderful, great, magnificent, and awesome is about to come out of this region.  God is about to do something that will make your region and area become known for all eternity. 

 

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.

 

1.      Here is a wonderful promise that those who are walking in darkness have seen a great light.  All mankind is in darkness.  Jesus said that people love darkness more than light because their deeds are evil. 

2.      Darkness is only good when you want to watch in stars.  Darkness in ancient imagery means evil and light means good.  Darkness is the opposite of light, has come to mean all that separates us from God, because God is light. Light is the symbol of salvation, spiritual growth and discernment. But it can only be understood and appreciated when we contrast and compare it to the darkness.  Darkness is also associated to misery, pain, sorrow, and adversity.  Isaiah says those who under the influence, power sovereignty of darkness that has made them miserable, sorrowful, in agony and pain have seen a great light.  Remember sorrow is for night but joy comes in the morning. 

3.      Those who have dwelled or live in the land of deep darkness.  It is where they currently live.  This is different than walking it is a place where you live.  It has become who you are and where you live.  You are not safe, secure, or living in freedom.  The devil has you in a stronghold.  You are in a prison of pain, sorrow, sickness, worry, anxiety, and fear.  You are a prisoner to darkness and all it brings.  You can’t break free without outside assistance.  Isaiah says on them the light has shone.  It is like being in total darkness and then light shines.  Isaiah says that the light is great and is shining right now.

 

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.

 

1.      Isaiah says this is what happens when you see, receive, and live in the light.  You have abundance.  You are in the line of blessing.  The windows are open.  You have prosperity and health even as your soul prospers.  Jesus said He came to give abundant life. 

2.      You have increase.  You are and becoming or are greater in size, amount, intensity, or degree.  You are growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.  You are enlarging your influence and resources.  You are expanding, extending, and multiplying.  You are sowing and reaping a harvest of 30, 60, and 100-fold

3.      You have joy.  Having joy includes feeling good cheer and a vibrant happiness. But joy, in its fuller, spiritual meaning of expressing God's goodness, involves more. It is a deep-rooted, inspired happiness. The Holy Bible says, "The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Neh. 8:10) You are drawing from waters of salvation.  There are two thing you need to know the Lord is the originator of joy and like love joy is a choice.  You choose that no matter what you are going through you are letting the Lord fill you with joy. 

4.      The outgrowth of joy is rejoicing.  Rejoicing, praising, gratitude, and thankfulness are practical expressions of your appreciation for the light that has been given and flowing through you.  Remember we are the light of the world.  It is the light shining in and through us that touches people in darkness

5.      Isaiah uses the analogy of a farmer finishing the harvest or someone dividing the spoils after victory over the enemy. 

6.      Isaiah says the last benefit of the light is gladness.  This is the state or quality of being glad; pleasure; joyful, satisfaction; cheerfulness.  The people were in darkness, but they now live all that which I have mentioned.  Gladness is shown in a visible and tangible way. 

7.      This is the essence and character of the Christmas season.  Jesus came as a baby, he grew into a man and then died for our sin.