Light dispels darkness ∙∙
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” – John 8:12
Philippians 2:12-15
12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.
13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
14 Do everything without complaining and arguing,
15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
Light and darkness are natural phenomena. They are mutually exclusive. Darkness is the absence of light. Darkness is simply darkness. It never varies. The intensity of light, on the other hand, can be modulated. Darkness is dispelled when a sliver of light is present. The brighter the light, the more the shadows retreat. While light can vanquish the darkness, the reverse is never true; darkness cannot overcome the light. It is not possible.
Many individuals recall flying commercial passenger jets in the pitch darkness of a cloudless sky at 35,000 feet above Earth. Far from large cities, some distance below, all is dark, if not totally black. This is particularly true over large bodies of water. Yet, from this expanse of darkness, you might catch glimpses of faint, isolated lights from small villages or boats, reminding us that even in the deepest night, light refuses to be extinguished.
The Scriptures seldom refer to literal darkness and light. Instead, the terms are often used as powerful symbols to illustrate the profound struggle between good and evil. Humanity dwells in a world shrouded by spiritual darkness—a place marked by ignorance, suffering, and sin. Yet by His exquisite grace, into this darkness, God sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as the true Light of the world. His light pierces through the shadowed void, transforming lives and overcoming the darkness of death and despair.
As the light, the Lord Jesus Christ dispels the darkness of ignorance and death and offers the promise of eternal life to all who believe. He dispels the darkness within us, our moments of deep sorrow, confusion, and fear when our hearts feel heavy with despair. The more closely we walk with Him, the more His light illuminates our lives, driving out the shadows of personal darkness. His presence fills us with hope, peace, and purpose, even in our most challenging moments.
REFLECT & PRAY
The Lord Jesus Christ has come into the world to overcome the darkness of the world and bring the radiance of His light to all who seek Him.
Father, awaken in me a deeper desire to walk in the light. Encourage me to allow Your light to shine in the darkness.
INSIGHT
As children of the King, we represent the Father in our fallen and decadent world. We are lights in the darkness.
Philippians 2:15 Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
In modern 21st-century societies, people have increasingly distanced themselves from the Father. They are no longer friends with Him or the children of the King. It is disheartening to acknowledge that there is ongoing and repeated hostility between the children of the world and the children of the King. This discord is escalating, and the hostility will only get worse. We are on a collision course with the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
John 15:18-23
18 If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.
19 The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.
20 Do you remember what I told you? “A slave is not greater than the master.” Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you.
21 They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me.
22 They would not be guilty if I had not come and spoken to them. But now, they have no excuse for their sin.
23 Anyone who hates me also hates my Father.
There is an unmistakable divide between the children of the King and the children of the world, whether we acknowledge it or not. Tension and discord are inevitable because our values, priorities, and attitudes stand in stark contrast to those of the surrounding world. Why? Because we are different from the kingdoms. Our values and attitudes are incompatible.
The Beatitudes reveal just how at odds the teachings of Jesus Christ are with worldly values. While the world often glorifies pride and self-interest, Christ calls us to walk in humility. Where the world indulges in sin and normalizes it—encouraging others to join in without thought—the Lord calls His followers to purity of heart and righteousness. The ways of the world and the path of Christ do not intersect; they lead in utterly opposite directions.
Movements like #MeToo have highlighted some of the brokenness in the values of the world, shining a light on issues of exploitation and injustice, albeit somewhat selectively. While these actions are necessary and important, they often only scratch the surface of the more profound transformation that is needed—a transformation that only the love and truth of the Lord Jesus Christ can bring. His teachings demand not just recognition of wrongdoing but a complete renewal of the heart and mind.
Matthew 5:3-12
3 God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.
6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.
7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
11 God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.
12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
The world is at war with the Father. Yet the Father is seeking to reconcile with His enemies. He invites them to become children of the King. As children of the King, we are to live so that our light shines in the darkness. Light will dispel the darkness. The final outcome is already assured.
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.
We must expect to be persecuted if we choose to live as the Father wants us to live. But we must be sure that our suffering is not due to our own foolishness or disobedience (Wiersbe). Although darkness may grow stronger, it will not prevail, and the light will never be extinguished.
2 Timothy 3:12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
Philippians 1:12-14
12 And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.
13 For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ.
14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.
Darkness is only dark until the light shines and dispels it.
Are you letting your light shine?
¯_(ツ)_/¯ 7-05-1
© Dr. H 2024
Dr H Reflections 