Matthew 4:17

¹⁷ From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Yesterday we saw the meaning of the word ‘repent’ both in Hebrew and in Greek languages. Now why did Jesus begin preaching with the word ‘repent’? When we read in verse thirteen of Matthew chapter four, we find that Jesus left His hometown of Nazareth and dwelt in the land of Capernaum which was by the sea in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali.

These regions were part of the northern kingdom of Israel, named after two of the twelve tribes of Israel. Zebulun and Naphtali were the sons of Jacob and Leah’s and the maidservant, Bilhah. Historically, these areas were among the first to fall to the Assyrian invasion in 732 BC, leading to a mix of populations and cultures. The prophecy from Isaiah 9:1-2 highlights the significance of these lands in the coming of the Messiah, as they were seen as places of darkness that would see a great light.

Isaiah 9:1-2

Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed,
As when at first He lightly esteemed
The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
And afterward more heavily oppressed her,
By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,
In Galilee of the Gentiles.
² The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined.

So, the people living in the land of Zebulun and Naphtali were walking in spiritual darkness during Jesus’ time. This is what happens to people who once were walking in light. When we prioritize unimportant things in life and put God in the backseat, we are choosing to put the Light behind us. What good does a light do when it is behind our path. The light is useful only if it is ahead of us to show the path. This is what the Psalmist said in:

Psalm 119:105

¹⁰⁵ Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.

For seven hundred years that passed by, many generations did not get to see the light that God was going to bring to the nations through His Son Jesus Christ. Yes. For hundreds of years people were living in darkness in those regions. You see many times we are unable to understand the purpose why so many nations are living in darkness. But make no mistake God has appointed everything according to His purpose and His pleasure.

Generations may come and generations go but there will come a time that people living in darkness will see the great light. On that day the darkness will not be able to comprehend the light. The people who are living in darkness will not be able to grasp who Christ Jesus is, even today. This is the reason Christ has come into this world to shine His light on us. Those who are weak spiritually, God wants to help you today. Please allow God to work in your life and He will transform you and you will begin to realize who Christ is. Put Christ on top of your list.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!