The deepest cavern of darkness smothered her, distressing her spirit day and night. The gloom hung like blackened clouds, a miserable reminder of how He lightly esteemed Zebulun and Naphtali. O, that she was a haven of rest!
The oppression afterward weighed heavily along the sea. Entrapped even here, beyond the Jordan! Tears would be welcome as a relief from the doom that is Galilee. The Shadow of Death is king here, ruling with pain, torture, and despair! Walking the way of the sea, heads are downcast amid the perpetuity of blackness. This dark place is the other side of the Jordan — Galilee, where the Gentiles reign.
For the people, what is the hope of God? What can even He do in this hour? How did He leave the land nearest His heart of Creation? Suddenly, a flash of great light! The people are drawn as a moth to a flame. Powerful Light that destroys this Shadow of Death! The shadows run fearfully away from this coming Light! A rescuer is here; joy is multiplied!
The harvest is overwhelming. We divide the spoil with abundant gratitude and joy. Our dark burdens are now gone because of the power of the Light. The rod of the oppressor lies broken on the ground. We can only bring the bloodied clothes and sandals from the warriors to burn and fuel a great fire. We are in awe of all we see and feel in our spirits! But, what does all this mean?
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 NKJV)
They ask, “What of the increase of His government and peace?”
“There will be NO end! Of the throne of David and His Kingdom ordered, established with judgment and justice from now and forever. The Lord of Hosts in His zeal will do it!”
(Holy Spirit narrative version of Isaiah 9:1-7)
~ Jeff Hoyt, writer
~ Deana Harvey, visual artist
