Light that Dispels Darkness

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

Isaiah 9:2

Our family enjoys camping. Occasionally, we’ve camped on a cloudy night when there was a new moon. Because our land is far from city lights, a “thick darkness” has enveloped us. On nights like that, I can’t even see my hand in front of my face. The darkness is overwhelming. Yet, striking a single match instantly dispels the darkness. The light from that tiny flame penetrates the darkest night and gives sight.

Spiritually speaking, the match has been struck. God’s Light has come! Isaiah prophesied that a great Light was coming into the world. More than 700 years later, Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Before personally knowing Jesus, a person is in spiritual darkness, much like the physical darkness I just described. His mind is blinded, and his understanding is darkened so that he cannot see or understand God’s truth. (2 Corinthians 4:4, Ephesians 4:18) Spiritually speaking, the lights are off! Only Jesus can enlighten our minds and dispel our spiritual darkness.

While in Cuba, I heard Alexander’s testimony. He was imprisoned for trying to escape to America. There, he met a man with a Bible. Alexander was curious, so he asked if he could read it. The man said he could, but only at night.

So, night after night, Alexander read. Before he opened the Bible the first time, he prayed, “God, if you are real, reveal yourself to me.” As he read through the Bible, he came to understand that Jesus is who He claims to be—the Light and Savior of the world.

Are you curious about the Bible and Jesus, but you lack understanding? Will you ask God to reveal Himself to you? Will you diligently read His Word? Jesus, the Light of the world, stands ready to impart His light to you.

Jan Burkhart