Few people really like being in the dark. Darkness hides danger and covers misdeeds. A fear of darkness is common in infancy and some remnants of that fear remains into adulthood. We use nightlights in our homes, have flashlights at the ready, install streetlights on the corner and flood lights around the house. When the power fails, the first thing we reach for are candles. We do all we can to drive away the darkness.
Darkness was driven from Creation on the first day when God created light and proclaimed it good (Genesis 1:2-4). Abraham felt dread when enveloped by darkness (Genesis 15:12). God used darkness as one of the great plagues of Egypt (Exodus 10:21-22). Darkness describes human ignorance (Psalm 82:5; Ecclesiastes 2:14) and suffering (Psalm 107:10). Solomon speaks of a darkness associated with evil men (Proverbs 2:13; 4:19).
The spiritual clash between darkness and light is clear in the words of the prophet:
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20)
But as God does, he promises deliverance:
Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God. (Isaiah 50:10).
There is a promise of light. God promises that the darkness will be swept away!
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone (Isaiah 9:2).
It should come as no surprise that Jesus is the light.
The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light (John 12:35-36).
Paul removes any doubt that it is Jesus who removes darkness from the hearts and souls of men.
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6).
So many are wandering in darkness today. Sin blinds. Even in churches, many are blinded to the purity of the simple message of New Testament redemption and seek to grope for God in the darkness of human innovation. Hear the Lord’s message. Turn, confess and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38-47) and you will discover the light that is Jesus Christ!
