Jesus Brings Light to the Darkness – January 24, 2023

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
Isaiah 9:2

Jesus Brings Light to the Darkness

Have you noticed that many movies in the last decade are dark, dystopian films? In the past, movies had happy endings. But now, it seems the setting, characters, and even the conclusion are dark. These movies resonate with large audiences because many people feel unstable in our cultural moment. Corrupt politicians, the potential of war, and the isolation our technology brings have darkened our hope for a better future.

This is not a new feeling. Twenty-seven hundred years ago, in the days of Isaiah the prophet, Israel had lost all hope. The ruthless Assyrian Empire swallowed up the Northern Israelites. And the big, bad Babylonians were crouching, ready to pounce on what remained of God’s people. Eventually, these two enemies decimated the nation of Israel.

Since the beginning of their history, God promised to send them a Messiah-King who would set them free from their oppressors. But after hundreds of years of suffering, they abandoned their dream of freedom. In their distress, they began to believe they lived in a dark story with no happy ending. But Isaiah the prophet continued to preach a message of hope. He said those living in darkness would see a great light.

When Jesus arrived hundreds of years after this prophecy, he declared he was the light Isaiah predicted. Yet, instead of just conquering their earthly enemies, Jesus had a bigger goal. He came to conquer sin and death and rule their hearts with his peace. And so, hanging on a cross, he absorbed the darkness of the world into himself until it killed him, and then he rose again as the light of life.

Now, all who believe in his name, enjoy God’s forgiveness, the promise of the resurrection, and the hope of the world to come.

Don’t let the daily news or Hollywood’s latest film distort your faith in the promises of God. The glory of God has brightened your dark heart. And soon, Jesus will bring our story to a happy ending.

Prayer:
Lord God, darkness covers this world and casts a shadow on my heart. Fill me with your light until your last and glorious return. Amen.