. . . the people who dwell in a land of deep darkness . . . (Isaiah 9:2)
The Bible consistently uses the image of darkness to describe the spiritual waywardness and sin of humanity. When we consider all the evils in today’s world, we see that human beings are indeed “in a land of deep darkness.”
How do you get rid of the darkness? Sometimes people think that the way to eliminate the evil in the world is to destroy all the bad people out there. But if you try to get rid of the darkness by blasting all the people who are sitting in darkness, you only end up with more darkness.
The way to overcome darkness is with light. Share on XThe way to overcome darkness is with light. This is what God does in Jesus Christ, “the light of the world.” (John 8:12) Through Christ, God shines the light of God’s grace upon us; and as God’s Spirit works within us, we then can become a part of reflecting God’s light to the world. So Jesus said to his disciples, “Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
This is what we are doing as a church! We are shining forth God’s light in our own community and through our missions worldwide, so that we can overcome evil with the goodness of God.
So we fulfill the call of the apostle Peter, who said, “You are God’s own people, so that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (I Peter 2:9)
Sunday’s Scripture Readings:
Colossians 1:11–13
II Corinthians 4:6
I Peter 2:9
