The greatest among you ∙∙

The greatest among you ∙∙

“If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” – Mark 9:35

Mark 10:37-45

37 James and John replied, “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”
38 But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking!”
40 “But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. God has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.”

41 When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant.

43 But among you, it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,
44 and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.
45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

People often carry a deep and driving ambition to advance, get ahead, and achieve more in life. The quest for respect, acknowledgment, approval, acceptance, and esteem drives them to shape their goals. These desires are often closely tied to one’s sense of identity and self-worth. For some, life begins with significant challenges, which they strive hard to overcome.

Sometimes, it seems as though there is some invisible caste or ranking system within our psyche that influences how we see ourselves and others. This invisible pecking order can uplift self-esteem or distort it, shaping our sense of value and well-being. Some individuals rise to the top, while others seem mired at the bottom, struggling to break free.

The pursuit or absence of recognition and status often fuels comparison, envy, conflict, even aggressive competition, and fierce rivalry. Many find themselves locked in battles for significance and validation, while others aim for authority and absolute dominance over their peers.

Even the disciples of Jesus Christ weren’t immune to these struggles. The Gospels lay bare their moments of rivalry and desire for power. For instance, in Mark 10:37, 41, James and John approached Jesus with a bold request: “Grant us the honor of sitting next to you in glory—one at your right hand and the other at your left.” Their ambition caused discord, and the other ten disciples reacted with anger when they heard what had been asked.

James and John’s request for special recognition and positions of honor was indeed audacious. Yet, Jesus responded to them with remarkable patience, grace, and kindness. The other disciples, on the other hand, were outraged. Why was that? Reflect for a moment; could it be that they were thinking the same thing as James and John? But they felt resentful because James and John had voiced it first. Their anger hints that they also longed for status and important roles.

Luke 22:24 tells us that the disciples even argued among themselves, each vying to be seen as the greatest among them.

This behavior, unfortunately, reflects the self-centered focus often seen in human nature. Our own interests too frequently take prominence. What makes it even more striking is the timing of their request. It came right after Jesus had spoken of His impending suffering—the humiliation, crucifixion, and death He was about to endure. Did they pause to consider how Jesus might feel? Their actions suggest they were oblivious or indifferent. They seemed distracted, not fully grasping the gravity of the moment.

Were the disciples heartlessly uncaring? It doesn’t seem so. More likely, they were simply unaware, caught up in their own aspirations. They were simply clueless. They completely overlooked the enormous reality hanging over the moment, the proverbial elephant in the room. While they were busy angling for prestige in God’s Kingdom, Jesus was preparing Himself for the ultimate sacrifice. The contrast couldn’t be sharper. The irony is palpable.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Lord Jesus Christ didn’t condemn ambition or the desire to achieve greatness. Instead, He repurposed it. “For the ambition to rule, he substituted the ambition to serve. For the ambition to have things done for us, he substituted the ambition to do things for others” (Barclay).

Father, help me to cultivate a servant’s heart and calm the restless urge to assert myself. Teach me to find joy in being second and to honor others above myself.

INSIGHT

The Lord Jesus Christ introduced a leadership model that defied all conventional wisdom—servant leadership. This concept was not only groundbreaking but entirely transformative and revolutionary. It challenged the deeply ingrained notions of status and authority, flipping the traditional hierarchy on its head. In His vision, true greatness was not found in dominance or power but in humility and service to others. He proclaimed, “If anyone wants to be first, they must become the last and serve everyone else” (Mark 9:35).

This path to honor is anything but ordinary. It’s an often-overlooked road that requires selflessness and sacrifice, yet it leads to enduring recognition in the Kingdom of God.

But Jesus didn’t stop at simply teaching this way of life—He embodied it. He didn’t just speak of serving others; He actively demonstrated it. From washing His disciples’ feet to laying down His life on the cross, He modeled the selfless actions He called His followers to emulate. Through His example, Jesus showed that servant leadership isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a way of life.

Mark 10:42-45

42 So Jesus called them together and said, you know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them.
43 But among you, it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,
44 and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.
45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

If you truly want to be great in the Father’s kingdom, you have to become the servant of all. Success is found by deliberately choosing to serve others before we serve ourselves. Success comes through intentionally placing the needs of others ahead of your own. Choosing to serve is a deliberate act, one that requires humility and selflessness.

If you truly want to be great in the Father’s kingdom, you have to become the servant of all. Success is found by deliberately choosing to serve others before we serve ourselves. Success comes through intentionally placing the needs of others ahead of your own. Choosing to serve is a deliberate act, one that requires humility and selflessness.

Mark 10:45 reminds us of the ultimate example of this principle: “Even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Jesus redefined what it means to lead and to love, illustrating that sacrifice lies at the heart of service.

Here’s a modest proposal: aim to be a penult. Instead of seeking to be last, settle for being almost last.

The term “penult” is derived from the word “penultimate,” which means “next to last.” Its roots trace back to the Latin words paene (almost) and ultima (last).

Why aim to be a penult? In our fallen state, we need to learn not to take our strengths or our weaknesses too seriously. We will never be impeccable servants, and it’s also doubtful that we will ever be dead last, either.

I could delve into the topic of Planter’s penults, but I’ll reserve that discussion for another time.

¯_(ツ)_/¯ 1-18-22

© Dr. H 2024

The heavens speak without a word ∙

The heavens speak without a word ∙

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. – Psalm 19:1

Psalms 19:1-4

1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.
2 Day after day, they continue to speak; night after night, they make him known.
3 They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.
4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.

Norman Rockwell, one of America’s most beloved artists and illustrators, was born in New York City in 1894. Even as a child, he dreamed of becoming an artist and began formal art training at just 14 years old. Over his lifetime, Rockwell produced an astonishing collection of more than 4,000 original artworks. His pieces celebrated for their vivid detail and heartfelt portrayal of American life, captured the essence of 20th-century culture in a way that resonated with people across the nation.

For almost 50 years, Rockwell’s artwork adorned the covers of The Saturday Evening Post. Through his relatable depictions of everyday moments, he struck an emotional chord with readers, who found their own lives and experiences mirrored in his works. His long-standing relationship with the Boy Scouts of America spanned 64 years, during which he created iconic illustrations for their publication, Boys’ Life. Masterpieces like Rosie the Riveter, Saying Grace, and The Scoutmaster remain some of his most celebrated works and are timeless symbols of his artistic legacy.

Beyond his magazine work, Rockwell collaborated with more than 150 corporations, crafting striking promotional art for household names such as Ford Motor Company, Pan American Airways, Kellogg’s, Budweiser, Del Monte, and Sun-Maid. These companies relied on his ability to produce compelling visuals that brought their products to life and captured the attention of consumers.

Many of Rockwell’s most memorable pieces appeared in leading publications during the early 20th century. His vibrant illustrations often showcased everyday foods designed to appeal to mothers in search of practical and nourishing meal ideas. From hearty breakfasts to comforting dinners, his engaging imagery appealed directly to the readers of the time.

Rockwell once remarked, “No matter how beautiful an advertising picture may be, if it does not sell the product which it advertises, it is a failure.” His work blended aesthetic appeal with effective product promotion.

Through the ages, great artists have told powerful stories through their masterpieces without needing a single word. Likewise, the Father reveals Himself without speech, painting His message across the vast expanse of the heavens, His celestial canvas. Creation boldly declares the splendor and intelligent design of its Creator, serving as a reflection of His wisdom and unparalleled beauty. The precision and beauty of creation demonstrate His perfection and magnificence.

The cosmos speaks in silence, offering a universal declaration of the Father’s existence and providing a glimpse into His nature. This silent message reverberates across the globe, transcending languages and cultural divides. Needing no translation—it is understood by all. The heavens serve as an immense marketing campaign designed to interact with the people of planet Earth and draw near to the Father. Theologians call this form of communication general revelation.

REFLECT & PRAY

“Go outside on some clear night and just stare up into the sky for several minutes. Soak in the grandeur and majesty and vastness of the starry host—and then think: my God made all this” (Stanley).

Father, I thank You for the magnificent creation that surrounds me. It silently proclaims Your craftsmanship and beauty. Help me to pause, to listen, and to take in all that it declares about You.

INSIGHT

The heavens proclaim Your greatness, and the skies reveal Your handiwork. Each day, they pour forth speech, and every night, they unveil knowledge of You (Psalms 19:1-2).

The psalmist chose a very apt word to express the anthropomorphic enthusiasm of the heavens and the skies. The Hebrew word translated as continue or pour forth is naba. Naba means to “bubble up,” “pour out,” or “gush forth.” Naba “suggests the irrepressible bubbling up of a spring” (Kidner).

Imagine a mother walking with her two young children, always under her protective gaze. Suddenly, something catches their attention, sparking a natural sense of wonder and curiosity. Filled with excitement, they rush back to her, eagerly exclaiming, “Mommy, look at this!” This tender scene beautifully reflects the relationship between the Creator and the heavens. Like children unable to contain their awe, the heavens and skies constantly declare, “Look at this! Behold the wonders of the Father’s handiwork!” Their fervent admiration for the Father’s creative power spills over in endless silent exultation.

Yet, the heavens and skies remain silent.

Centuries ago, the most reliable and enduring guides known to people were the celestial bodies above. The sun, moon, and stars charted the paths for ancient travelers and provided a sense of direction in an unpredictable world. Despite their perceived constancy, these celestial markers were constantly shifting, displaying a dynamic rhythm visible to those observing from the earth below. “The moon has its phases. Sometimes, the planets and stars cannot be seen. Even the sun is sometimes eclipsed. By contrast, the Giver of light is not changeable like the gift. God’s goodness always shines on his people” (Holloway)

As magnificent as the heavens and the lights of the skies are, they are not always visible. Atmospheric conditions like fog, clouds, and storms can obscure these celestial lights. When they’re hidden from view or “inaudible,” they serve no purpose. From the vantage point of Earth, the celestial bodies appear to be in motion. Their positions are not fixed or certain, with the lone exception of the North Star.

James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

Notice that the word “lights” in the passage is plural. Some modern translations render this as “heavenly luminaries,” referring not to light itself but the celestial bodies—the sun, moon, and stars. The Father is both the origin and creator of all light and the lights in the heavens. He is the “Father of lights.”

The Greek word translated as variation or changing is parallage. Parallage means “change,” “variableness,” or “alteration.” The Greek expression tropes aposkiasma is frequently translated as “shifting shadow” or “slightest hint of change.” It is literally the dark “shadow-mark,” the shadow that forms when a heavenly body such as the sun, moon, or the earth itself. The shadow of the earth eclipses the moon. While the shadow of the moon eclipses the sun.

“Unlike the ‘shifting shadows’ that are caused by the sun, moon, and stars, God ‘does not change.’ With him, there is no variation at all. The shadows cast by the sun are minimal at noon, but just before sunset, they stretch out for yards across the landscape. God is not like that. He does not change” (Burdick).

The Father Who created it all is the one constant, the firm foundation, the rock upon which we stand, the infinite reference point. Everything changes except Him. He alone is absolutely trustworthy and dependable.

¯_(ツ)_/¯ 9-30-1

© Dr. H 2024

Invisible forces ∙∙

Invisible forces ∙∙

By faith, we understand that the worlds were set in order at God’s command, so that the visible has its origin in the invisible. – Hebrews 11:3

Colossians 1:15-16

15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,
16 for through him, God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see – such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.

Over the past hundred years, countless hidden aspects of our world have been uncovered through advancements in technology. We’ve brought into view microscopic wonders like blood cells, single-celled organisms, atoms, mitochondria, and DNA. Beyond that, we’ve also captured sights of distant galaxies and stars that were once only the stuff of imagination.

One person who dedicated her career to exploring what was once unseen was Dr. Liane B. Russell. Her pioneering research focused on the impact of invisible radiation on developing embryos. Following Austria’s Nazi invasion in 1938, Dr. Russell fled her homeland and ultimately settled at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee in 1947—just two years after atomic bombs devastated Hiroshima and Nagasaki. At that time, there was a strong push in the United States to understand radiation’s effects on the human body.

Dr. Russell’s studies revealed that the first seven weeks of pregnancy are especially critical for fetal development when it comes to radiation exposure. Since it can take time for a woman to recognize she is pregnant, Dr. Russell proposed scheduling non-urgent X-rays during the 14 days after the start of a woman’s menstrual cycle. This precautionary guidance has shaped global medical practices and is why healthcare providers often ask women about the possibility of pregnancy before taking X-rays.

However, not all things unseen are physical. The Father God is beyond the reach of human sight. How can we know Him? He revealed Himself fully through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul explained that although the Son is distinct from the Father in personality, He shares the same divine nature.

Through the incarnation, the eternal Son of God entered our world, becoming human—real flesh and blood. To understand what the Father is like, we need only look to the Son, who is the perfect representation of the unseen God.

Colossians 1:15 says, “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.”

To understand the nature of the Father, we look to the Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him, the invisible God is made knowable, tangible, and approachable. Jesus embodies the essence of God in a way that we can perceive and relate to. He is the perfect representation of God’s character and being, offering humanity a glimpse of the divine in a way we can comprehend.

Imagine a family portrait featuring a father and his son. Often, even accounting for the differences in age, their resemblance can be so striking that they seem almost like identical twins. This comparison provides a glimpse into the relationship between Father God and the Son of God. If we had a photograph of the Lord Jesus Christ, He would bear a striking resemblance to an image of the Father. Just as the son mirrors the father in such portraits, Christ reveals the very nature and heart of God to us.

John 1:18 tells us, “No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is Himself God and is near to the Father’s heart, has revealed Him to us.” Through Jesus, the unseen Father is unveiled, allowing humanity to truly see and know God.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, is the Creator and Sustainer of all things visible and invisible.

Father, how remarkable it is that You sent Your Son to reveal Your essence and nature to us. He is the flawless reflection of who You are. Yet, what fills us with the most wondrous awe is Your choice to adopt us as Your children and draw us close as friends (John 1:12, John 15:15).

INSIGHT

But Jesus Christ is so much more than this! How can He transcend even being the perfect representation of deity? The astonishing truth of Scripture reveals that it was not the Father who brought creation into existence—it was the Son! This is a revelation that might surprise many, yet the Bible explicitly affirms this role of the Lord Jesus Christ in relation to the Father.

Colossians 1:15-16 declares,
“He is the image of the invisible God, existing before all creation and supreme over it. For through Him, God created the heavens and the earth—everything visible and invisible, including thrones, dominions, rulers, and authorities in the unseen realms. Everything was created through Him and for Him.”

This profound truth highlights Christ’s divine authority and His unparalleled role in the grand design of creation. Everything, seen and unseen, finds its origin and purpose in Him.

The apostle John expressed the same concept using different words.

John 1:3 states, “Through Him all things were made; without Him, nothing was made that has been made.” This verse reveals an intriguing truth. The language, “all things through Him came into being,” emphasizes Jesus, the Word, as the agent of creation. Yet the broader context affirms that God is the ultimate source of creation. This dual truth resolves the seeming paradox (UBS).

“Similar expressions are found in Paul’s writings and the Letter to the Hebrews. In 1 Corinthians 8:6, Paul distinguishes between ‘God, the Father, who is the creator of all things’ and ‘Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created.’ Again, in Colossians 1:15-16, Paul refers to ‘the first-born Son,’ by whom ‘God created everything in heaven and on earth.’ In Hebrews 1:2, the writer speaks of the Son as ‘the one through whom God created the universe’” (UBS). These passages consistently highlight the Son’s vital role in bringing all things into existence.

Interestingly, this theological insight aligns with contemporary scientific perspectives. Modern science in the 21st century has revealed that much of creation remains unseen yet deeply impactful. From the invisible particles composing matter to the air we breathe and even the emotions that influence our decisions—all these imperceptible forces profoundly shape our reality. Both Scripture and science remind us that the unseen is just as real, vital, and wondrous as the visible.

When we focus on the microscopic scale, we find that atoms consist of protons, electrons, neutrons, and vast amounts of empty space. Electrons move around the nucleus at incredible speeds, making it impossible to pinpoint their exact position at any given time. Instead, they appear as diffuse clouds, seemingly occupying all spaces at once.

On the other hand, when we shift our attention to the vastness of the universe, its scale feels almost infinite. There are billions of galaxies, each containing billions more stars. Many of these stars and galaxies are unimaginably massive, traveling at staggering speeds. Until recently, much of this grandeur remained hidden from our view.

Yet, whether we consider the smallest particles or the immense expanse of the cosmos, everything operates with remarkable order. Even within random and complex systems, patterns emerge—sequences that repeat, fractals that echo self-similarity, and systems that organize themselves. It is the Lord Jesus Christ who sustains it all. He is the one who governs and ensures every detail of creation holds together with flawless precision.

Reflecting on this, doesn’t it seem right to honor and worship the Father? He is the eternal, immortal, and unseen King who reigns in transcendent glory. Yet this mighty and omnipotent God chose to intervene in human history, sending His Son into the world to redeem all who put their faith in Him, saving them from sin and its eternal consequences (1 Timothy 1:17).

¯_(ツ)_/¯ 9-02-1

© Dr. H 2024

Darkness from the abyss

Darkness from the abyss

Then the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from heaven that had fallen to the earth, and the key of the bottomless pit was given to him. He opened the abyss. . .. (Revelation 9:1-2)

Revelation 9:3-11

3 Then locusts came from the smoke and descended on the earth, and they were given the power to sting like scorpions.
4 They were told not to harm the grass or plants or trees, but only the people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.
5 They were told not to kill them but to torture them for five months with pain like the pain of a scorpion sting.
6 In those days, people will seek death but will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them!

10 They had tails that stung like scorpions, and for five months, they had the power to torment people.
11 Their king is the angel from the abyss; his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek, Apollyon – the Destroyer.

Imagine a world of perpetual darkness, where the pressure is so intense it crushes most life forms, and the temperature barely holds above freezing. This is the hadal zone—Earth’s deepest ocean realm within oceanic trenches, ranging from 20,000 to 36,000 feet deep. Named after Hades, the Greek god of the underworld, this realm is as hostile as it is mysterious. Yet, even in the depths of the Atacama Trench, a vast undersea canyon near the Andes Mountains, life thrives despite the absence of sunlight.

During a 2023 expedition, scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and the Millennium Institute of Oceanography (IMO) discovered an extraordinary species of amphipod named Dulcibella camanchaca at an astonishing depth of 25,900 feet. This pale, nearly translucent shrimp-like creature is equipped with specialized limbs for hunting prey in the pitch-black abyss.

Designed to endure the crushing depths, Dulcibella camanchaca boasts a sleek, armored body and powerful mandibles for cutting and crushing food. Measuring nearly 1.6 inches long, it is surprisingly large for an amphipod. Lacking eyes, it has perfectly adapted to life in darkness.

The name “camanchaca” is the word for the dense coastal fog in the Atacama Desert, which is common to the native Andes languages. It could easily be translated as darkness. Skulking in the depths of the abyss, this formidable predator could easily be the stuff of nightmares.

Dulcibella camanchaca

Who knows what creatures lurk in unexplored areas of planet Earth? Could giant creatures such as the megalodon, the Kraken, or the Leviathan dwell there? Perhaps.

But the Scriptures speak of something far more horrifying and ghastly that will be unleashed during the end times from the Abyss found in the book of Revelation.

REFLECT & PRAY

1 John 4:3-4

3 But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and, indeed, is already here.
4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.

Father, thank You that You are greater than he who is in the world and all his minions.

INSIGHT

Revelation 9:1-11 describes the moment when an angel, referred to as the King of the Abyss, descends from heaven to earth and is given the key to the Abyss, or bottomless pit. When the pit is opened, smoke and terrifying, hideous-looking creatures emerge to torment unbelieving humanity, those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.

These ghastly, macabre creatures are described as locusts, yet they sting like scorpions. In the Old Testament, one of the most devastating forces was the plagues of locusts, as seen in the book of Joel 1-2. John lacked sufficient vocabulary to convey the indescribable, otherworldly creatures he witnessed.

According to Revelation 9:5, these creatures are instructed not to kill the people but to inflict torture upon them for five months, causing pain akin to that of a scorpion’s sting. Their mission is to cause excruciating harm and suffering to humanity, and this torment lasts for a prolonged period.

The Greek word translated as harm is adikeo. Adikeo means to “do wrong,” “harm,” “hurt,” or “injure.” The Greek word for torture or torment is basanizo, suggesting “acts of harassment,” “torture,” or “causing great pain.”

The suffering is so horrific that people will long for death to escape their agony; however, death will elude them. Revelation 9:6 states: “In those days, people will seek death but will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them!”

Revelation 9:11 reveals that these tormentors have a king, referred to as the angel of the Abyss. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek, he is called Apollyon. The Greek word abyssos is typically translated as “abyss” or “bottomless pit,” which is the origin of the English word “abyss.”

What is the Abyss? It is not a physical location that can be pinpointed on a map; instead, it is often described as a vast, dark chasm representing realms of chaos, evil, and the unknown—a kind of containment area. Luke hints at its nature as the home of demons (cf. Luke 8:31), where they are confined. According to Revelation 20:1-3, Satan will be chained and imprisoned in the Abyss for a thousand years at the Second Coming of Christ.

In extra-biblical Jewish literature, the book of Enoch, part of the Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, describes the Abyss as a place of punishment for fallen angels (1 Enoch 18:11-17).

The leader of these vile creatures is identified as the angel of the Abyss. He is known as Abaddon in Hebrew and Apollyon in Greek, both of which translate to “Destroyer.” This king embodies a malevolent force that brings chaos and destruction to Earth. And the creatures are a demonic horde.

“Though in the modern world, Satan often appears as an angel of light in the role of that which is good and religious, here the mask is stripped away, and evil is seen in its true character. Satan and the demons are seen as the destroyers of the souls of men and as those who can only bring affliction. When divine restraint is released, as in this instance, the true character of the evil one is manifested immediately” (Walvoord).

Who is the King of the Abyss? The book of Revelation does not identify him specifically. Could it be Satan or one of his chief lieutenants? Could it be a messenger or angel of God? When the Scriptures do not speak definitively, neither should we.

Keep one thing in mind: when Satan is spoken of elsewhere in the book of Revelation, it is clearly identified. Here, there is no such identification (Aune).

Take a moment to reflect on the fear and uncertainty caused by the terrifying events described in the book of Revelation. Consider the reality that we are contending with unseen spiritual forces of evil operating in an invisible realm, which seeks to undermine our relationship with the Father. Which is more frightening: the prophesied events of the future or the unknowable, hidden darkness where malevolent evil resides?

Ultimately, the anxiety associated with the unknown darkness of the abyss embodies humanity’s struggle against the forces of destruction and the unknown. It taps into our primal fears and fuels our imagination, with significant implications for modern life. This concept of an otherworldly realm where malevolence flourishes or is confined reinforces a dualistic view of the world—one of light versus darkness, order versus chaos, and good versus evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:5-8

5 For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night.
6 So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.
8 But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.

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.

¯_(ツ)_/¯

© Dr. H 2024

Light dispels darkness ∙∙

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