When King David grew old and weak, he was almost killed by a giant, but Abishai came and rescued him. From then on, the men of Israel would not permit David to go to war, lest, as they said, "the light of Israel be quenched."
How can a believer not think of the contrast between King David and our Lord Jesus that such a text suggests!
During the course of David's reign, he became identified with the hope and glory of his people. Thus they described David as the Light of Israel - a light that must be guarded from extinction.
The same thinking controlled the disciples in Jesus' day. They knew the promises that Messiah would have a most glorious reign, and the very idea of the death of Messiah was offensive, for how could the Light of Israel be thus extinquished? Messiah must live forever.
Indeed, the Old Testament prophets foretold that Messiah would be a shining light, not only unto Israel, but to all the gentile nations. That light, the disciples knew, must not be quenched.
No wonder Peter rebuked the Lord Jesus when He taught them of the death He must suffer. Yet Peter was rebuked by the Savior for not loving the things of God.
When Christ went to Calvary, the disciples knew that the light of Israel had been quenched - but they had believed that He would redeem Israel!
Christ Himself pointed out their mistake: they had refused to believe ALL that the prophets had foretold, that Christ must first suffer to save His people, and then enter into His glory!
Indeed, the Light of Christ is eternal life for His people! The disciples had too dim a view of Christ's light, until He rose from the grave. That Light now blazes in glory forever for us! |
#10 - Top Played Sermon (48-Hours) on 5/31/2010
