As we continue in the celebration of light, we can not underestimate the silence and the darkness engulfing Israel in the time between Malachi and the gospel of Matthew, some 400 years. The miracle of the one-day supply of anointing oil and the faith of the Maccabees in lighting the candlestick in the inner court resulted in the intervention of the supernatural power of heaven, which continued burning brightly for 8 days. We see that the zeal for the House of the Lord moved Heaven to come down to earth and intervene on behalf of Israel. Light returned and would begin ushering in the Light of the world prophesied by the prophets.
When Jesus came to earth, the world was trapped in spiritual darkness. His people’s hopes lay shattered in the darkness of their own failure and inability to throw off the yoke of hundreds of years of dominating nations.
“In an outburst of anger I hid My face from you for a moment, But with everlasting favor I will have compassion on you,” Says the Lord your Redeemer.
Isaiah 54:8
Matthew says,
The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great Light, And those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, Upon them a Light dawned.
Matthew 4:16
How important is light to we as believers. To walk in the light, to continue let our light shine. This remembrance of the miracle and celebration of light coming back into Israel cannot be minimized by the Church. We as Gentiles were darkened in our understanding and far from the promises of God and without hope.
But now—but God has sent His light
to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.
Acts 26:18
The call still goes out to the House:
Come, house of Jacob, and let’s walk in the light of the Lord.
Isaiah 2:5
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