I am a Jesus pusher!!! Jesus left Judea in order to minister in Galilee (Matthew 4:12). There was a great need in Galilee. How could it be adequately described? The prophet states it as: “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned,” (Matthew 4:16). This is very strong Biblical language. It establishes contrasts. There is light and darkness; there is light and the region and shadow of death. The Jews in Jerusalem had an abundance of light. The scribes of the Scriptures and the temple with the very presence of God were among them. The great movements of God came to them. An angel appeared in the temple to Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist (Luke 1:8-25). Even the shepherds in this area saw the angels at the birth of Christ. Wise men from the East came to Jerusalem with the announcement. God had showered Judea with His light.
Now the Light is going to Galilee. Up to this time Galilee has been bombarded by darkness. The trade routes brought hundreds of people into their region spreading darkness. The prophet expands the contrast from darkness to death. The ultimate goal and result of darkness is death. But Light had dawned! Jesus has come! To every dark place of my life, He is the light. He did not send the light or describe the light. It is not a theology or meditation technique. He is the Light. I embrace Him and I see. All is exposed and I am well! I am a Jesus pusher!!!