| The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned. |
This is the first time the word 'light' appears in the New Testament and this verse, together with Mat 4:15, is the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy in Isa 9:1-2.
The people here referred to the Gentile in Jesus time, which include anyone who is not a Jew, who are without any knowledge of God, thus sat in the darkness but would also be appropriate for people who have yet to hear the gospel. Interestingly, the word 'sat' is used in this verse, which offer a sense of comfort and immobility (or lack of freedom). I am supposing comfort because could it be if one get so use to darkness (as a born blind person) that the only nature he knows is darkness (and they could not have known light). Furthermore, for this person, his free movement would be restricted to within his room.
This aptly described the spiritual condition of someone who has not hear the gospel of Christ. They would be so used to their spiritual darkness that they thought it it normal, and they are bound by this darkness though they thought they are 'free'. Most of all, they are bound by the darkness of fear of death! Only those who are born again in Christ are truly free, even death would have no power over them, AMEN!
However, once their spiritual eyes are unveiled by the preaching of the gospel of Christ, they will see the great light, the Light of Christ, which will cause them to see as God sees. Darkness of death would have no place when the Light has dawned.
My friend, if you feel that you are bound by fears and worries and wanted to be set free, I have good news for you. When Jesus came two thousand years ago, scourged beyond recognition, died on the cross for all our sins and the punishment of these sins, and rose on the third day to heaven justifying us, then the Spirit came on the Pentecost, the Light has come! Say this in your heart with me:
God, I had not known You, and therefore was bound by the darkness of fears and worries. I sincerely want your help to set me free. Thank you for Jesus, and I want Him to be my Lord and Saviour. He is the Light of my life. Darkness, no matter how big and deep I thought it to be, has no place in me when Your great Light shines on me, AMEN!
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