Rise and Shine
The dictionary defines it by what it is not. But much more than the physical absence of light, darkness is a supernaturally powerful force. It’s all around us – lying in wait – longing to consume every void. It is militant and invasive; proud and aggressive. Accepting no compromise, it seeks to dominate, divide and rule.
Laying claim to every unguarded heart and mind, it is a master of doubt and deception. Under the command of a relentless ruler, its cloak of lies conceals what truly abides there. Consuming its captives, it oppresses them with distorted vision, false illusions and fear. Whether enslaving a single soul or entire nation, the daily news of its destructive march makes its kingdom appear hopelessly invincible.
And without light, it is.
But God has not left us to blindly grope in darkness! “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” Matthew 4:16. Darkness does not overcome the light; it is light that instantly sends the darkness into full retreat and conquers it!
How fast does darkness flee? At the speed of light!
Radiant and beautiful, penetrating and revealing, purifying and liberating, light restores sight and gives life. More than a mere form of electromagnetic radiation, light is supernaturally bestowed by a gracious Lord: King Jesus, the Glory of the Father, the Light of the World, the Bright Morning Star. “For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sin” Colossians 1:13-14.
Our world is a dark place and people desperately need line of sight to beacons of hope. If the Son has risen on your darkness and made His light to shine in your heart, then it’s time to for you to rise and shine.
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His Light shine in our hearts to give us the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light. 2 Corinthians 4:6 NIV, Ephesians 5:9 NASB
