02/01/2026
Well, as of this hour, Linden hasn’t gotten much in the way of snow (seems we’re in the “gap”) but others who would travel here have gotten a bit and we have decided for safety sake to cancel service in the morning. Pastor Don would like to share his sermon below. Praying you all stay safe…and warm ❤️
MATTHEW 4: 12-17 DEVOTION
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
4:12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee.
4:13 He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali,
4:14 so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
4:15 "Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles
4:16 the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned."
4:17 From that time Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
Prayer for Illumination:
God of light,
through the power of the cross you shattered our darkness,
scattering the fears that bind us
and setting us free to live as your children.
Give us courage and conviction
that we may joyfully turn and follow you
into new adventures of faithful service,
led by the light that shines
through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Amen.
THE TRUE LIGHT HAS DAWNED
Introduction
There are moments in life when darkness feels overwhelming. These can be times of fear, uncertainty, loss, or spiritual confusion. Scripture reminds us that God does not abandon His people to the shadows. In the passage in Matthew 4:12–17, Jesus begins His public ministry not in Jerusalem, but in Galilee—a place long associated with struggle and spiritual darkness. It is there that God’s promise is fulfilled: the light has dawned.
Devotional Reflection
When Jesus heard that John the Baptist had been arrested, He withdrew to Galilee and made His home in Capernaum. Matthew tells us this move fulfilled the words of the prophet Isaiah:
4:15 "Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles
4:16 the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned."
Galilee was a crossroads of cultures and ideas, a place of uncertainty and hardship. Yet Jesus chose this place to begin proclaiming the kingdom of God.
In Scripture, light represents God’s presence and truth, while darkness reflects fear, chaos, sin, and separation from Him. Many of us know what it is like to live under that darkness—fear of the future, fear of illness, fear of rejection, or fear of loss. Left unchecked, these fears can overwhelm us and keep us from moving forward in our lives on the path that God desires us to walk.
But God provides an antidote. In His Son, Jesus Christ, the light of God’s love enters the darkness and overcomes it. As the Gospel of John reminds us,
John 1: 1-5
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
The Word Became Flesh
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life,[a] and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.
Christ, the Light of the World, does not simply expose the darkness—He redeems us from it.
Yet, light can be uncomfortable. Like suddenly having the overhead light turned on in a dark room which causes pain to our eyes, the truth of Christ can initially be painful to our souls. The light of Christ, not only reveals God’s love for us, it also reveals the parts of ourselves that we would rather keep hidden. Jesus reminds us that some resist the light because it exposes what they wish to conceal. Still, healing and freedom are found only when we step fully into that light, despite the initial pain that it might bring to us.
Jesus’ call to us is clear: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Repentance is turning away from darkness in our lives and turning toward Christ, who is the light. Making this decision to live our lives under the will of God, lets us experience the Kingdom of God in the present time. Because the Kingdom of God is both a present and future reality—it is experienced whenever we choose to live under God’s will in our lives. However, it is only partially established on earth at this time, because some refuse to embrace the light of God’s love and truth. It will only be fully established on earth when Christ returns to restore creation to its intended state.
Until that time, the darkness in this world will never fully go away. Yet, even when darkness presses in on our lives, we are called to remember that we do not have to face it alone. In Matthew 28, Jesus promises to be with us always, until the end of the age. His light will never fade, and His presence never leaves us. His presence enables us to continue forward, to walk in His light, and let His light shine through us and out into the world as we live our lives for Him, drawing others toward the hope, peace, and assurance that is only found in Him.
Questions for Self-Reflection
1. Where do you currently experience darkness, fear, or uncertainty in your life?
2. Are there areas of your life you resist bringing into the light of Christ?
3. How does knowing Christ is with you change how you face your struggles?
4. How might God be calling you to reflect His light to others this week?
Closing Prayer
Gracious and loving God, we thank You for the light of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who shines into our darkness and brings hope. Give us the courage to step fully into Your light, even when it reveals what we would rather hide. Help us to trust Your mercy, turn from darkness, and live as people shaped by Your truth and love. Strengthen us by Your Spirit, that Your light may shine through us and draw others closer to You. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. Amen.n
