Our Light In The Darkness
Since the beginning of creation, God has been inviting us to experience life with Him. But, time and time again, we find ourselves settling in the darkness.
The story of the gospel doesn't just start with the birth and arrival of Jesus, but the promise God made hundreds of years before. Jesus was always going to be the light in the darkness. The question is, will we choose to walk in His light?
After being set free from Egypt, God's people walked the earth longing for a kingdom and a king from God. Finally, God provided. But, for years, God's people went through one failing king after another. Each one, turning their back on God. Isaiah spoke to Ahaz, the ruler of the kingdom at the time, reminding him of what would happen if he did the same.
"Look to God's instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark. They will go from one place to another, weary and hungry. And because they are hungry, they will rage and curse their king and their God. They will look up to heaven and down at the earth, but wherever they look, there will be trouble and anguish and dark despair. They will be thrown out into the darkness." - Isaiah 8:20-22 NLT.
Ahaz disregarded Isaiah's warning, and the land fell into complete darkness. Slowly, the kingdoms of Israel fell, and God's people were scattered.
We all know this feeling all too well. When we had the opportunity to turn to God's direction, we didn't. So, instead of experiencing freedom with God, we get lost in the dark.
The Good News is that because of the promise fulfilled in Jesus, we have the opportunity to walk out of the darkness.
"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven's Armies will make this happen!" - Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT.
Through Isaiah, God promised Jesus to His people 700 years before a star in the sky pointed the way to a manger and a baby Jesus fulfilled God's promise.
DIVE DEEPER
C.S. Lewis once said, "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." Jesus is the light promised to us by God. And because we get to experience that light, the world around us becomes brighter and clearer to see.
Jesus' promise of the light becomes our purpose as disciple-makers. Take some time to reflect on these questions to discover your next step toward Jesus:
What does this say about God?
What does this say about people?
How will I obey what Jesus is saying?
Who will I share this with?