July 01, 2011

Darkness and Light

"The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. Let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." (Romans 13:12)

There is a reason most of us do not like darkness. Things are hidden in darkness. We automatically assume that in some way, evil is present.

The Bible tells us that Jesus is the light of the world. "In Him was life, that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not understood it." (John 1:4-5)

"When Jesus spoke to the people, He said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

The enemy of our souls would like to keep us in darkness so that we will not know the love and glory of God. ( 2 Cor 4:4) Satan is the ruler of the kingdom of darkness but God said, "Let light shine out of darkness". Jesus came to destroy the works of satan and to expose the darkness.

"He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him." (Daniel 2:22)

John tells us "I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining." (1 John 2:8)


As Christians, we have come into the light. "For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruits of light consist in all goodness, righteousness and truth) Find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness but rather expose them. Everything exposed by the light becomes visible for it is light that makes everything visible." (Eph. 5:8-14)

The Psalmist cry's out "Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord! Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord" (Psalm 4:6b; 89:15))

We are children of the light and we are the light of the world! (Matt 5:14) God promises us that He will take hold of our hand and keep us that we may be a light to the world and when we let our light shine, all will see the glory of God. The eyes of the blind will be opened and the captives will be free from their prison of darkness. (Isaiah 42:6-7) "God is light; in him there is no darkness. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in darkness, we lie and don't live by the truth. If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus purifies us." (1 John 1:5-7)

The kingdom of darkness is built on lies, secrets and deceit. It requires the absence of light to survive. We can "turn on the light" but bringing in the presence of Christ. His Spirit dwells with you and He is the Spirit of truth. The book of Revelation tells us about what heaven will be like. "The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it for the glory of God gives it light and the lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light...On no day will its gates ever be shut for there will be no night (darkness) there. Nothing impure will ever enter it..." (Rev 21:23-27)

Almighty God,
You are the light of the world. We are blind and grope around like drunkards in the darkness. (Job 12:25) Let the light of your face shine on us and expose our secret sins, our false beliefs, the lies that the enemy would have us believe. He desires to keep us blind. You have removed the blinders! Pour your love and truth into our hearts, light our path so that we can walk. Instill your Word into our hearts. Speak to our innermost being. Examine our thoughts and motives. (Hebrews 4:12-13)"Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness...blot out all my iniquity." Create in me a pure heart, O God! (Psalm 51:6-9) You do not delight in sacrifice or burnt offerings. You desire a broken spirit and a broken and contrite heart. We are a chosen people whom you called out of darkness into the your wonderful light! (1 Peter 2:9) In heaven, there is no darkness. Bring heaven to earth where the glory of God gives it light and the lamb of God sustains it. It is there that I will have the light of life and my voice will declare your praise and glory. Amen