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DarknessDarkness

darkness covers the earthdarkness covers the earth        and thick darkness is over the and thick darkness is over the

peoplespeoplesIs 60 2a (NIV)Is 60 2a (NIV)

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19 This is the verdict: light has come into the world, 19 This is the verdict: light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.

John 3, 19-20 (NIV)John 3, 19-20 (NIV)

Jesus’ reaction to darknessJesus’ reaction to darkness

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Darkness/LightDarkness/Light

Isaiah 9 v 2Isaiah 9 v 2

2 The people walking in darkness 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;have seen a great light;on those living in the land of deep darknesson those living in the land of deep darknessa light has dawned.a light has dawned.

also in Matthew 4-16 quoted by Jesusalso in Matthew 4-16 quoted by Jesus

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Light attractsLight attracts

Whole nations will come to the light.Whole nations will come to the light.

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Strange for the Jewish peopleStrange for the Jewish people

Exclusive rights!Exclusive rights!

exodusexodus

wildernesswilderness

victory over other nationsvictory over other nations

used demise of other nations to the Jews’ used demise of other nations to the Jews’ advantageadvantage

the LORD was the LORD was theirtheir God! God!

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so what’s all this about so what’s all this about “All Nations coming to the LORD?”“All Nations coming to the LORD?”

Isaiah: All the world will come to the Light

It will be great!5 Then you will look and be radiant,

    your heart will throb and swell with joy;

the wealth on the seas will be brought to you,

    to you the riches of the nations will come.

6 Herds of camels will cover your land,

    young camels of Midian and Ephah.

And all from Sheba will come,

    bearing gold and incense

    and proclaiming the praise of the Lord.

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Fulfilled in the New TestamentFulfilled in the New Testament

The Light shines in the darkness (John 1, 5a)The Light shines in the darkness (John 1, 5a)

BUTBUT

The darkness has not understood it (5b)The darkness has not understood it (5b)

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PaulPaul

““For this reason”For this reason”

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, people and also members of his household,

Ephesians 2, 19 (NIV)Ephesians 2, 19 (NIV)

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PassportPassport

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Paul calls it a mysteryPaul calls it a mystery

We are the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy!We are the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy!

We are members of one body and share in Jesus’ We are members of one body and share in Jesus’ promisespromises

6 This mystery is that through the gospel the 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. (Eph 3,6)promise in Christ Jesus. (Eph 3,6)

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How?How?

Through fallible human beings!Through fallible human beings!

You and me…You and me…

Paul: “I am less than the least of all the Lord’s Paul: “I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people"people"

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A task for Paul and for usA task for Paul and for us

what we do and say has physical and spiritual what we do and say has physical and spiritual consequencesconsequences

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The angels had one go…The angels had one go…

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A role for ICELA role for ICEL

to be a shining light for the Nationsto be a shining light for the Nations

Nations will come to the lightNations will come to the light

the best friend you can havethe best friend you can have

Jesus; Emmanuel, God with us!Jesus; Emmanuel, God with us!