Isaiah, with the insight and grace of a poet, over and over in his writings foretold the coming of the Messiah. He posed it in the graphic terms, of light and darkness; of fire and disaster; all ending in the joy of a new light as the yoke of the oppressor is broken. His is the vision of a new freedom under a blessing from God.

The Psalmist sings: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid.”

Each in their own praises and poems proclaims the fact that the light we all crave, the visibility of blessing we seek is found in The Lord God.

In the days of King Solomon the Psalmist spoke. More than 700 years before Jesus was announced as the Son of God at his Baptism in the Jordan, Isaiah predicted His coming to be with us. All of the dreams and visions of the early prophets told of how God would redeem us; and God did.   

After his Baptism, and the descending of the Dove, and the audible announcement: “This is my Son, of whom I am well pleased.” Everything changed for those who believed. John was arrested and thrown into prison. Jesus went away to Galilee and Capernaum in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali where the prophesy would be fulfilled; “...for those who sat in darkness have seen a great light.” And Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven has come near.”  

Jesus now began his search for followers, men who could hear and help him in his ministry, and the building of a group of Apostles, and disciples to turn the minds of the people toward God, and the love God wanted to share with them. 

Walking by the sea of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon and Andrew, and he said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” Excitedly they left their nets and followed Him. As he went from there he saw two other brothers, fishermen James and John, and he called them, also. 

With these four, Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. Now his time was measured, his ministry had begun, and he wasted no time in proclaiming the Good News wherever people would listen. The light of God through Christ had come.  

The rest is the continuing story of how he assembled the twelve, and taught them, preparing them for what they had to do; the constant telling of the love of God and Jesus Christ, until it reaches every nation, every generation, and every person. You are loved by God. Love God, and love your neighbor as yourself. You as a believer are to show the Light of Christ to all. AMEN.

The Rev. George O. Martin is an Ordained Deacon at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 17th and Adams, Great Bend. Send email to georgeom@hbcomm.net.