20131123: Matt 4 : Haiyan Destruction : And the shadow of death light is sprung up

Matt 4:13 And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: 14 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; 16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light;and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. 17 From that time Yeshua began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew - one of the 4 gospels in the NT - written by a tax collector revealing that Yahweh is the coming Messiah King.  Mainly written for young believers.  Whereas Mark and Luke written mainly for the unbelievers and John for the matured believers.

4 Gospels - Yet depicting Jesus from the 4 different angles - King, Son of Man, Son of God and Saviour. Three from the outside looking in at Jesus with only JOhn written from inside on his past.

About 2 weeks ago, the powerful Category 5 typhoon swept past the many islands of Phillipines.  Destroyed almost the whole island in Leyte and Talcobahn.  Can you imagine ? All material homes gone in a second.  People lost their lives and loved ones . Now you see them and now you don't.

These little islands by the sea were beautiful islands with great clear sea water. But today, as homes were shattered, many sat in the dark as darkness fell before international aid came in. 

Prayer for Philippines:- Couldn't help but to draw a parrallel to what Isaiah quoted and also in Matthew.  It brought comfort. Incidentally the comet ISON is passing through this end of Nov. (but for many this comet is supposedly a harbinger)  v 16 the people which sat in darkness saw great light...and shadow of death , light is sprung up.

The Filippinos are a resilient lot of people.  They have great voices.  They are talented in the musical instruments.  Just as Jesus started his ministry in Capernaum - He is the Light of the world. Just as He preached repentance for the kingdom of heaven is near, we pray that the Filippinos in this land would rise up and look up and receive the King in their praise  & worship admidst  the chaos and destruction.   Arise and shine. For the light has come. Oh yes, we will sing! (Song @ 36:40 and Song @ 56 min : I will sing)