Darkness and Light

Darkness and Light. In the recent news a powerful earthquake in Taiwan killed several and injured nearly a thousand people. Wars continue in Ukraine and Israel. Crime and homelessness surge. Inflation makes it difficult for many to survive from one paycheck to the next. Along with threats of lurking terrorism and reports of human trafficking, the news is similar from one week to the next. Though glimmers of light offer hope, the world can be a dark place.

In the midst of the darkness of the world’s events, another type of darkness captured the attention of many. By the thousands, people visited areas of the country where the total eclipse of the sun would be most visible. The influx of tourists caused several cities along the path of the eclipse to declare a state of emergency to control the crowds.

The total eclipse of the sun is a rare and fascinating event. The moon comes between the earth and the sun and temporarily blocks out the light of the sun. The sky is darkened, and the temperature of the air drops. As this past week has shown, it grabs the interest of multitudes.

The eclipse of the sun is a temporary phenomenon that takes hold of people’s attention.
At times, the darkness of this world seems to eclipse the presence of God. That too is a
temporary phenomenon. For now, darkness and light are both apparent in our world. We get daily reminders. Just the daily cycle of evening and morning exemplifies the presence of both.

I think it is significant that the first mention in the Bible of a day describes it as evening and then morning. The evening passed and the morning came, marking the first day (Genesis 1:5. NLT). The first verses of the Bible describe creation. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light (Genesis 1:2-3 NLT).

Darkness is a reality. But light dispels darkness. Jesus is the Light of the world. He dispels the darkness of our lives. The day is coming when He will dispel the darkness of our world once and for all. Many traveled a great distance to be able to observe the eclipse of the sun, an event that would be over in a few minutes. A much greater event awaits us in the future. It will grab everyone’s attention. No one will have to travel to see it. The sun itself that can be eclipsed now, will disappear entirely. The sky will roll back and the Lord will descend. Every eye will see Him, and every knee will bow (Philippians 2:10, Romans 14:11, Revelation 1:7).

The darkness of this world that hides the majesty and power of God, will be gone. Jesus, the Light of the world will reign. In heaven, there will be no more night and day, no more darkness and light. There will only be the eternal light of God, shining brightly, and dispelling forever any hint of darkness.

Those who turn to Jesus now will welcome Him. Those who reject Him now will forever regret their choice, engulfed in eternal darkness, and separated from the God who loves them. Its not too late to turn to Him now, but someday it will be.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life. John 8:12 NLT

 

And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. Revelation 21:23 NLT

 

How has Jesus, the Light of the world, pushed back the darkness for you? Please leave a comment below.

Blessings,
Phyllis

Copyright 2024 Phyllis L. Farringer

Image by A Owen from Pixabay