Light in the darkness

Light in the Darkness: Presence! Security! Protection! Forever!
Image

Asaph was discouraged. Even though he was the leader of one of King David’s three Levitical choirs, even though he was serving the Lord, Asaph “was envious of the arrogant when [he] saw the prosperity of the wicked.” But then he gained an eternal perspective. In contrast to the temporary gains of the “wicked,” Asaph noted “The God Advantage.” Let’s consider four benefits found in today’s passage.

Light in the Darkness: Following the Example
Image

The systems of the world are built around power and control. Nations go to war to gain land, resources, and domination. Organizations intimidate opponents to manipulate and wield their authority. Individuals demonstrate their influence over others to show who’s the boss. Jesus, however, turned the tables.

Light in the Darkness: Shine!
Image

Isn’t a Christian supposed to be “aw shucks” humble? Aren’t believers meant to hide in a corner and not let the right hand know what the left hand is doing? Aren’t believers expected to refrain from showing off? Not according to Jesus.

Light in the Darkness: The Light of the World
Image

The other night, I went through the house and turned on every light. Then I built big black boxes and put one over each light to stymie the glow. My work was done. I had turned the lights on and then covered them over so their glow could not be seen. You say, “Ridiculous!” That’s exactly what Jesus said.

Light in the Darkness: Set on a Hill
Image

Light dispels darkness. Light cuts through the obscurity and makes its presence known. Sorry for the double negative, but light cannot not be light. Its property defines its existence.

Light in the Darkness: Salt of the Earth
Image

Salt, a mineral vital to life, is unlike anything else. It has a distinct taste, which is imparted to anything with which it is mixed. It is used as a seasoning and a preservative. Salt makes an impact! Even a little salt sprinkled in a bowl of soup or on a pile of fries changes the taste of the food.

Light in the Darkness: No Advantages
Image

When the Light arrived in the darkness, the heavenly Father sent his Son to the back of the line. The Light of the world, the eternal God in the flesh, received no breaks and no advantages. After an unseemly pregnancy and a hard journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the fullness of time had come. And…there was no room for Jesus.

Light in the Darkness: Fullness of Time
Image

The proverb says, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will” (Proverbs 21:1). God is sovereign over all, orchestrating the events of world history. We see this vividly demonstrated when it was time for Jesus to come.

Light in the Darkness: Fullness of Time
Image

They are called “The Silent Years.” During the four hundred long years between the last book of the Old Testament and the coming of Jesus, there were no prophets, angels delivering messages, or word from God. Then…at just the right time…

Search
Your bag is empty.