Monday 24 December 2007
- Bible Book:
- Isaiah
"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them the light has shined." (v.2b)
Background
This text is one of the most moving and significant in theentire collection of Old Testament writings. This section comesafter a dramatic chapter where Isaiah, a prophet of the Lord, hasforetold the impending invasion of Judah by the Assyrians.
This passage has taken on great importance in the many centuriessince it was written. For the many communities who have struggledwith oppression and social and political marginalisation throughoutthe ages this text has a special significance.
The passage speaks of a righteous king who is coming to reign: aking whose reign will be characterised by justice, peace andequality. The fact that this reign is one that is anticipated inthe future has led to two key developments in Christianthought:
- Although this passage is Jewish in origin and was writtenseveral hundred years before the birth of Jesus, the echoes ofJesus' own birth are very much part of the whole message of thistext for Christians. In short, the future righteous king is noneother than Jesus. The future reign is one in which his coming isheralded in this text.
The future reign of Jesus is established only in part through hisbirth, which we celebrate at this time of the year. The completionof that reign, however, is accomplished in his second coming. - Many Black people over the years have experienced slavery,exile, extreme poverty and the continued effects of racism. Forthem, this sense that 'at the end of time' God in Christ willextend a new reign of justice and peace can be a tantalising one.It can be likened to an evocative dream.
To Ponder
Martin Luther King had a dream. What are yourdreams for the New Year?
In what ways will your life demonstrate yourcommitment to making that dream come to fruition?