Walking from darkness into the Light!
Many people in this world are walking in darkness and they don’t even know it. A while back we had a pretty severe windstorm in our area. The high winds caused a power outage in our area that lasted for several days for some residents. When such an event happens, especially at night, it becomes quite apparent there is no light in the house, the yards, the streets, or any other facilities. Where you may see some light appear is in homes or businesses that have an electric generator of some type. We were blessed to have a generator which could be hooked to the electrical system at the parsonage where we are living. So, for us the darkness only lasted a short period of time.
The reality for us, as human beings is to understand the fact that darkness is merely the lack of any light. This can be seen and understood in a secular, worldly sense, but more importantly we need to see this idea from a spiritual point of view. People who are living in sin and do not know Jesus as their Savior are oblivious to the fact of their darkened situation. For to many people the darkness is not noticeable to them because they do not know what it is like to walk in the light of Christ.
Then there are those who choose to live in the darkness for more obvious reasons. “And this is the judgement: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed John 3:19-20 The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 4:5, Therefore do not pronounce judgement before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart”.
Paul was walking in darkness until the light of Christ confronted him on the road to Damascus. And I said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles--to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”
Jesus is the light of the world which no darkness can overcome. John 1:5 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts to give light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus.” 2 Corinthians 4:6 Dear saints you and I are blessed to have the light of Jesus shining in us which has come to us by God’s saving grace. Therefore, Paul tells the Ephesians and us, “Do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:7-10
Jesus is the true Light of this darkened world. Let us share His light with those still walking in darkness. “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” Shine Jesus Shine!!!!! Pastor McCarty