Lights On
“The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined” ( Matthew 4.16).
The particular light referred to here was the light of the presence of Jesus Christ in a specific place, the town of Capernaum, which was his home base for a good share of his ministry.
The dramatic healing of the man lowered through the roof by his four friends occurred here. Other important events connected to this town: A demonized man was healed. The Apostle Peter’s mother-in-law was healed of a fever.
Large numbers of others heard Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness and the Bread of Life.
The callings of Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Matthew occurred here.
Imagine if Jesus served people in your town for a year or more. What if he healed your next door neighbor of cancer, and your mother of a major stroke? What if He raised your child from death? And what if many others were healed in sight of all? And imagine these miracles happened repeatedly for months and years. And what if He preached great messages of hope and salvation?
Would you feel that light had come to your town?
Capernaum was a popular coastal city on the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee. It was a lot like the coastal towns of Oregon. The population was estimated to be about 1000 – 1500 people.
Today news of the ministry of Jesus Christ has nearly circled the globe. The Light has traveled afar.
Have you personally seen God’s light revealed in Jesus? It is possible to live in the dark even while the light shines, all because we choose not to see.
By Barry Kimbrough
Pastor of Gold Beach, Brookings, and Cave Junction Seventh-day Adventist Churches
