SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 60:1-22
OBSERVATION:
God’s coming is described as light shining in darkness. Jesus fulfills this, but those in darkness do not understand His coming (see John 1:1-5).
God promises to His oppressed people that one day tables will be turned, nations will honour God and Israel.
It was God’s just anger that allowed them to suffer (v.10), but His gracious compassion will set things right.
A description of the last day, when the Lord fully restores creation, when He Himself is its light and the nations come to honour Him (Revelation 21:22-27). The magi are a partial fulfillment of this promise, the nations bringing their treasures to Him (Matthew 2:9-12)
APPLICATION:
God is in charge, all events are the outworking of His purpose (just anger, merciful compassion).
God is at work humbling the proud and exalting the humble.
Am I so comfortable in this world that I have little or no desire for the next world?
Do I believe that things will end this way?
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to appreciate how blessed I am in Your light. Help me not to be so enamored by the lights of this world (treasures and pleasures) that I ignore or neglect the Light of the World, or my calling to be a light to those in darkness! Amen.
Observations:
v.1: “Arise, shine; for your light has come,
And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”
v.3: “And nations will come to your light,
And kings to the brightness of your rising”
v.19: “No longer will you have the sun for light by day,
Nor for brightness will the moon give you light;
But you will have the Lord for an everlasting light,
And your God for your glory.”
Application:
The light of the world has indeed come and he lives within my heart!
God calls us to “arise”, “shine”
People will be drawn to the light of our Saviour who lives within us.
Our Saviour lives within us and provides a light that we can depend upon. It is something that not only sustains us but is intended to be shared. It is the light of the world that has come to our hearts.
How does the light of my Saviour shine within me? Do I have it on a dimmer switch instead of full blast?
This little light of mine … I’m going to let it shine! Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!
Prayer: Lord, help me allow you to shine clearly through my life. Help me to “arise” and “shine” for you so that nations and others will see you in me.