Penetrating the Darkness

Looking around at our world today, it’s easy to see how dark our society has become. The sinfulness that has overwhelmed our world has encapsulated our society in an utter darkness that is thick enough to feel.

Isaiah prophesied this time would come near the end of times when he wrote: “Look, darkness covers the earth, and total darkness the peoples” (Isaiah 60:2a HCSB). Never could we have imagined a few decades back that our society would darken so deeply so quickly. The rapid influx of deep, dark sin into the hearts and minds of the masses has created a societal darkness from which we often wonder if we can ever recover.

Jesus aggressively addressed this idea of utter darkness by declaring its solution—the church, to whom He gave the task to penetrate the darkness of the world. He said: “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16 HCSB).

The purpose of the church in the world today is to bring light into the darkness. Light symbolizes truth and truth is the Word of God that can transform even the hardest of hearts. It takes but a small light source in a dark cave to drive out the darkness. It takes but a peppering of truth in a deceived society to begin to drive out the darkness that has been created by man’s selfishness and sinfulness.

Paul charged the church to “Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life” (Philippians 2:15-16 NLT). As a part of GOD’s family, you and I have a responsibility before GOD to dispel the darkness by living and sharing the truth. We have a responsibility in our society to stand up for what is right and to declare the truths of GOD even in the face of persecution.

As the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are obligated by GOD to penetrate the darkness of our world by making the right choices based upon the principles of GOD’s Word. Each of us will be held responsible before GOD for who we personally choose as our nation’s leaders. When you willfully select a leader, through your own vote, who believes that killing an unborn baby through abortion is an acceptable practice, understand that GOD will hold you accountable on judgment day for the lives that individual destroyed because you made the choice to side with their views.

GOD is not a democrat, republican or independent. GOD is GOD and we, as His children, are to place His principles above all others. As children of GOD, we are not to be molded by a party but molded by Godly principles and decisions. Political leaders who defy GOD’s principles in their decision-making are to be defied by those who call themselves children of Almighty GOD!

Scripture Reading: “Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the LORD rises to shine on you. Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the LORD rises and appears over you. All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance. Look and see, for everyone is coming home! Your sons are coming from distant lands; your little daughters will be carried home. Your eyes will shine, and your heart will thrill with joy, for merchants from around the world will come to you. They will bring you the wealth of many lands” (Isaiah 60:1-5 NLT).

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, help me to always remember that as Your child, I am not of this world. However, while I am making my journey through this world, I am responsible before You for the decisions and choices I will make. You have tasked me with carrying Your light into the utter darkness, penetrating the darkness, with Your truth. Help me to seek out Your heart and what moves Your heart before I choose the direction I will follow. I want to make a difference in my world, LORD! I don’t care what others may think; I don’t care what my family may think; I only desire to please You in all things. On judgment day, I want You to be pleased in what I did with my life. Help me, LORD!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!