The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death, light has dawned.”
Today we come full circle as Matthew quotes Isaiah 9 and brings us back to a people in bleakness who have seen a great light.
These were an oppressed people. War, hunger, and hardship were their realities as they lived exiled in Babylonian, Assyrian, and Roman kingdoms, all the while longing for the Kin-dom of God.
Jesus fulfilled this prophecy and invited people to “repent, for the realm of the heavens has come near.”
This is an invitation to change directions. The Realm of Heaven is simply the space where what God wants done is done.
"Turn around from the way you have walked these many years," Jesus calls, "walk with me instead and you will be participating in the work of God: freeing the oppressed, healing the sick, uplifting the vulnerable, centering the marginalized, and bringing forth the redemption of all things."
The light isn't about just bringing relief, but signaling direction.
As you imagine the day ahead, where might there be opportunities to participate more fully in the work of this realm Christ calls us to?
-- Taeler Morgan
We invite you to take it one step further, and drop us a quick note about what strikes you in today's frame.
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