This is Part 2 of a blog series on the significance and symbolism of light and darkness as seen throughout Scripture. Here’s another nuance that stood out to me.
After the Fall (Genesis 3), the term darkness operated in a new vein: wickedness, and it swept the Earth. God, in His sovereignty, permitted the darkness to cover the nations, prophesying the coming of Christ’s glory over His people (Isaiah 60:2). His acts were restorative. He allowed destruction for His good. He still does. The darkness is as light to Him (Psalm 139:12). This means that His perspective and vantage point is different than ours. Darkness does not displace Him. He’s still on the throne and longs for us to see Him there and to embrace in His presence despite what is happening around us.
His light is in His sacrifice on the cross. God lit up the darkness when He sent His Son to die for our sins. By His grace, eternal darkness has been cast out, and we are set free from the bondage of sin. Christ is this great light (John 8:12), and He came into the world so that no one who believes in Him shall stay in darkness (John 12:46). God is light, and in Him, there is no darkness at all (John 1:5). Accepting Jesus as our personal Savior involves understanding His sacrifice and receiving the light of His life as our own.
In our culture today, darkness surrounds us. Immorality, rebellion and godlessness are increasing. But we do not have to be subject to it. If you have not already, accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and His light will be your portion. And then remember that light is best seen against the backdrop of darkness. Christ always prevails. His light is still shining brightly and will continue to be a beacon in the midst of all that is happening around you no matter how dark it may seem.
Do not be discouraged.
He is the light of the world!
Shannon
