12 When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he …moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14 This fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah:
15 “In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River, in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, 16 the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.” (Matthew 4:12-16 NLT).

Jesus went to settle in Capernaum and in so doing fulfilled what was spoken by God through the prophet Isaiah, that “…the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light” (Matt. 4:16 NLT).

The people were in darkness in that region but Jesus went to dwell among them, a sign that God in His mercy had seen their desperate situation and sent them the hope of their salvation, the Light of the World in the person of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. From that point on they had a choice to either stay in darkness or choose salvation through accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

This dark region reminds us of the darkness in most localities in our world today. But wherever a genuine believer in Jesus resides, worships and serves in ministry they are the Lights in Christ-likeness for people who live in darkness in those places.

Jesus …said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12 NLT)

Do you know anyone living in “darkness” personally? I mean the unsaved and even believers who know Christ but are discouraged and have backslidden into the dark world.

As we know Jesus did not stay within the four walls of the house he lived in, while in Capernaum or anywhere else, but he always went about doing good (Acts 10:38); healing the sick, delivering the demonised and preaching the good news of the kingdom of God. This is your call and mine too.

14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:14-16 NLT)

I therefore encourage you brothers and sisters, never to hide your light or who you are as followers of Christ wherever you may be, whether at work, school or anywhere you are a minority in terms of your faith. God said to Eli the priest “…I will honor those who honor me, and I will despise those who think lightly of me” (1 Samuel 2:30 NLT)

Someone reading this, you may have areas in your life where you feel there is darkness because there is no clarity, but often confusion and obstacles whichever way you turn.
Remember what David said of the LORD “For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see” (Psalm 36:9 NLT).

Also according to Psalm 119:105 (NLT), we know “Your (God’s) word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path”.

God is the light by which we see, and His word is a lamp to guide us wherever we go. Based on these truths, and remembering your inheritance as the light of the world in Christ-likeness, determine to meditate on God’s word while in fellowship with the Holy Spirit, in a spirit of praise asking the LORD to illuminate your mind and give you insight into areas of your life where there is a lack of clarity or you discern confusion or “darkness”.

In so doing, you will gain God’s wisdom, knowledge and understanding through His Word and the Holy Spirit. With this insight, you can pray more specifically and exercise your authority more effectively against the kingdom of darkness.

As the saying goes “Prevention is better than cure”, so let us always conduct ourselves and pray in the aforementioned manner and not wait until we are in dire straits, or at our wits end to begin to do so. This is because while at times we may think we see clearly, we actually don’t and it is after we are afflicted that we wish we had waited on the Lord before taking action or moving forward.

You are blessed, determine to stay blessed.

Deborah Esther

©Deborah E. Nyamekye 7/12/2015

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