"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)

In these verses Matthew records the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Matthew specifically notes that the Lord was fulfilling prophecy Isaiah had spoken of 750 years before. 

This prophecy specifically details geographically the place where this ministry was to begin. (vs.15)  The immediate reference is to the inhabitants of Northern Palestine. Isaiah tells us these people sit in a spiritual stupor, content with their deplorable  spiritual condition.

The darkness is a picture of spiritual ignorance and superstition. It represents the dismal moral condition of most of the world. It is a symbol of the kingdom and power of Satan. (Acts 26:18) This miserable state is pictured as the region and shadow of death.

To dispel this darkness the light has dawned. He is the Messiah that has been spoken of and sought after for centuries. Many would welcome him. However, others would reject him because he did not fit their theology.

The light of Christ provides correct information concerning our life on earth. The light of Christ offers peace and joy and hope. Christ is able to perfect us in holiness and point us toward an eternal home.

There is no limit to the penetrating power of light. The light of Christ is able to reach the darkest places of man. Christ can touch the hearts of men and women of every nation and social status. He is to be heralded in the prisons, homes, churches, and streets of the world!
 

And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What have You done?" (Daniel 4:34-35)

Nebuchadnezzar was one of the most successful rulers of the ancient world.  By ruthless and violent tactics he amassed an empire whose domain reached the end of the earth.  Ironically, God subdued this powerful ruler, thus prompting this inspiring ascription of praise.

This Babylonian ruler marks a typical example of misguided worldly achievement. Both nations and individuals alike may have little material prowess yet  have great moral stature. One's worth is not measured by the sum of one's earthly possessions, but by his understanding of his true purpose in this world.

Before arriving at this lofty goal, one must conquer himself.  Nebuchadnezzar, from the lofty heights of Babylon, the Great became prideful.  “Look what I have done!”, was his attitude. There is no sin that so frequently condemns as selfish pride.  This is especially true when self becomes the center of the universe.

God has a limit on his patience, and when his boundaries are crossed God takes action! When the sin of any nation or individual is full or complete God will punish!  Thus, in an instant, the sovereignty of this great Babylonian king was removed.

At the end of seven days Nebuchadnezzar's sanity was restored. In Homer Hailey's commentary of Daniel he states: “when one's mind is demented and his reason warped toward self and God by pride and arrogance, these can only be corrected when the individual looks to heaven and realizes the truth concerning himself and God.” The spirit of self-sufficiency must be removed and replaced by humility and dependence.

Thus, Nebuchadnezzar breaks forth in praise of Jehovah.  God was ruling long before any king appeared on earth. He is the Most High God, the Everlasting. His purpose will be accomplished, and no man or nation can restrain Him.

By George Slover

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.  (Acts 2:42)
 
The day of Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ was a great day as 3000 souls yielded to God’s will and converted to Christ.  These new Christians were soon drawn to each other sharing their new faith in Christ.  The text above states they were wholly given to fellowship.  Just what benefits did they receive from such devotion to each other?  Of what value is such fellowship today?
 
Accountability is one of the great benefits of association with God’s people.  Fellowship in a local church should involve the spiritual leadership of the spiritually mature – both men and women who set forth an example of excellence in conduct and character.  (Titus 2:1-10)  Its members should expect mutual encouragement from each other.  (Hebrews 10:24,25)  Of all our acquaintances, our brethren should have the highest expectations of us morally and spiritually.  We need that kind of friend.
 
The joy of serving is also another advantage of such fellowship..  God commands mutual service and sacrifice (Galatians 5:13) of his people.  He wants us to use our talents to care (I Corinthians 12:25,26) for each other.  By fulfilling the needs of my brother we lean the true meaning of the Lord’s statement – “it is more blessed to give than to receive”. (Acts 20:35).
 
So devote yourself to your brother and you will surely reap the rewards!
 
By George Slover, Jr.