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“The sixth lot fell to the sons of Naphtali; to the sons of Naphtali according to their families. Their border was from Heleph, from the oak in Zaanannim and Adami-nekeb and Jabneel, as far as Lakkum, and it ended at the Jordan. Then the border turned westward to Aznoth-tabor and proceeded from there to Hukkok; and it reached to Zebulun on the south and touched Asher on the west, and to Judah at the Jordan toward the east. The fortified cities were Ziddim, Zer and Hammath, Rakkath and Chinnereth, and Adamah and Ramah and Hazor, and Kedesh and Edrei and En-hazor, and Yiron and Migdal-el, Horem and Beth-anath and Beth-shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages. This was the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Naphtali according to their families, the cities with their villages.” Joshua‬ ‭19‬:‭32‬-‭39‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

This is the Galilee region. It is called the Galilee of the Gentiles. Israel had been attacked so many times in this region by the Syrians, the Assyrians, and by Babylonians. It was also a region where many Gentiles settled. And it was the area where Jesus spent most of His ministry. In spite of the attacks, Jesus went there to minister. I thought a lot about this today. Am I willing to go and minister in a place that is known for attacks? 

This area is also known for a Messianic prophecy. The prophecy is found in Isaiah 9.

“But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish; in earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them. You shall multiply the nation, You shall increase their gladness; They will be glad in Your presence As with the gladness of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For You shall break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, The rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian. For every boot of the booted warrior in the battle tumult, And cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire. For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.” Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

In spite of their anguish, Jesus made it glorious by His presence. This is what His mission was and it is what our mission is. In spite of attacks, we are to go in by God’s presence with us and make areas glorious so that people can see a great light. It is so that people who live in darkness will have the light of Life shine on them. It is so that many will be added to the Kingdom of God. It is so that the yoke of sin will be broken. It is so that their garments will be changed to a robe of righteousness. It is so that our Wonderful Counselor, Our Mighty God, our Eternal Father, and our Prince of Peace will be known. And then, there is no end to His peace.