Weekly Devotional - Aaron Green

Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” - Matthew 4:13-17

Simple comforts provide profound peace in times of crisis. Consider simple things like light and bread. For the desperately hungry, a loaf of bread might as well be a steak dinner. For those living in darkness, even the smallest lit candle attracts attention and interest. Jesus goes so far as to make the bold statement that He is both of these things. In other words, for those hungry enough; for those 'poor in spirit' who observe the deep darkness around them, searching for light, Jesus says you will find ultimate fulfillment in Him. The only thing left to be done is to test those bold statements. Does this bread ultimately satisfy? Does this light bring peace and assurance that all will be well? For me, it has been a profound yes! I used to believe the Gospel was simply that God was trying to prevent people going to Hell when they died; one simply needed to accept Jesus, and you would avoid the fiery judgement of Hell at the end of all things. As I read the Scriptures year after year, I began to notice an emphasis not on the afterlife, but on current life. I observed people constantly searching for something; anything, to satisfy the hunger of their soul. Darkness was all around, and continues to be all around our world, and people are keeping their eyes open for light, any light to cast out the darkness. This is the Gospel Jesus is proclaiming! God has come to satisfy the hunger of the human soul. God, the creator of light, is rising over the horizon; the darkest night instantly vanishes at the first crack of dawn. The Light of the World and the Bread of Life have come together to shine in the darkness and satisfy the hunger of every human soul. We all are invited to follow this light, and in that endeavor we will be filled and satisfied. Christmas is the invitation to follow the light that shines upon The Light of the world. What awaits us in that manger; that feeding trough, is the Bread of Life, and we carry that light and sustenance out into our dark world. The darkness of night is heavy upon many in our world, but God has given us light and told us to Go! Rescue those in darkness; Repent! Because repentance lights the candle that reveals the Kingdom of Heaven is near, and there is enough bread for everyone to feast!

-Aaron