The Incredible Expanding Kingdom

1 Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.

2 The people who walk in darkness
will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness,
a light will shine.
3 You will enlarge the nation of Israel,
and its people will rejoice.
They will rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest
and like warriors dividing the plunder.

The history of God’s redemptive plan is shaped like a funnel. The history of God’s people is that of twelve tribes reduced to only two. And then the hope of the nations becomes focused on a single shoot from David’s line. The light of God concentrates, as through a magnifying glass, into one brilliant point of light.

But in our passage for today we see God’s saving purposes explode back out into the world. That brilliant point of light, the Messiah, will enlighten not just Israel but also the whole world! Through the Messiah, the door to the kingdom of God opens for people everywhere. “On those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”

Isaiah was commissioned to announce a judgment on the northern kingdom—“Zebulun and the land of Naphtali.” But along with that came a message of grace that expands the boundaries of God’s rule. “You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest.” The kingdom of Immanuel is open to all tribes and peoples.

And here is the invitation to those who are already within this incredible expanding kingdom: “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers” (Matthew 9:37-38). Have you been out in the harvest fields lately?

O Lord, please keep my eyes focused on the great expanse of your kingdom throughout the world. Help me to work in your harvest field and bring others to you. In Jesus, Amen.