God's Promise to Galilee!

For Thursday, March 14, 2024:

Isaiah 9:1a NIV, speaking as a prophet of the Lord: “There will be no more gloom for those who were in distress.”

The northern regions of the Promised Land – around the Sea of Galilee – were most severely destroyed when the Assyrians invaded from the north. That is now coming to an end, and God’s promise is that the land will be restored and one day have a special purpose. Looking back, we know that Jesus’ family lived in the region of Galilee, and much of his preaching took place around the Sea of Galilee.

Because they lived nearby, the people in the north would know more about Jesus. They would have heard him preach, and could watch as miracles took place. These people had a unique opportunity to interact with the Messiah! They learned about God, and about their religion. After all, Jerusalem and the Temple were 78 miles away, and at that time most people walked.

Getting to Jerusalem wasn’t easy. Samaria was between the two regions, and Jews considered the Samaritans unclean. So the journey began by traveling west to the coast, following the coastline south, and then turning inland back to Jerusalem, adding an additional 45 miles to their trek!

Isaiah’s next verse continues: “The people walking in darkness have seen a Great Light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a Light has dawned.” In the Bible, when something is very important it’s often stated twice, so that we don’t miss the point. You’ve probably heard this verse around Christmas as we celebrate Jesus’ arrival. The Great Light is the Messiah, our Savior!

Jesus living in Galilee was the great light they were promised. Have we all seen the light?

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship