The God Who Seeks to Restore

Isaiah 9:1-2 (ESV) But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. 3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil.

The important thing to consider here in Isaiah 9 is that God makes a promise that the northern territories in Israel will be restored the light of God. This will happen when Christ arrives as the true light giving life to all men, establishes His ministry in Galilee, and spreads the good news throughout the region. In fact, Matthew will quote this line to refer to Jesus' inaugural mission:

Matthew 4:15–16 (ESV) “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16 the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.”

Consider the men who Jesus called from here to be part of His work. The fishermen and tax collectors who followed Him were from this very area. And Jesus deliberately decided to begin his ministry there. The areas of Zebulun and Naphtali were those to the west and north of the Sea of Galilee. John records this move right after His baptism in the Judean wilderness under John the Baptist.

John 1:43 (ESV) The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.”

Thus Isaiah prophesies Christ's birth later in this very chapter:

Isaiah 9:6 (ESV) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Why is this important? Because it teaches us something about the restoration God seeks to bring to the places He brings through the darkness of discipline. Northern Israel was an ancient tragic tale. The nation suffered under the mismanagement of evil kings leading to Ahab. They refused to repent despite warnings from Elijah, Elisha, and Jehu. They eventually were cast away into Assyria. When they returned, it was a mixed bag of Jews and other peoples as Assyria tried to root them out of existence with cross-breeding. 

YET that area will be the staging ground for Christ's world-changing ministry. Darkness will turn to light where the religious scholar least expected - the far-off, cast-off region of the North. 

In the end, God has the final word. Because Jesus will change the lives of these northern Israelites who were far more adept at interacting with gentiles in this region and would make wonderful world missionaries through the power of the Gospel and the Holy Spirit. 

God's readiness to restore them also points to His desire to restore the world back to Himself. He is coming for those who are far away. He is coming for you.