LIGHT
IN THE DARKNESS
Fifth
of twelve devotions in Advent Parallel
Bible Study series
Isaiah
9:1-2, Luke 2:32
Isaiah
9:2: “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.”
God created the sun, moon and the stars to
bring light to the earth. People figured
out how to bring fire to light the darkness.
Electricity and the light bulb also brought light into the darkness. Now we have lights everywhere.
This is artificial [art-i-FISH-al]
means fake, or a reproduction of light.
As long as there’s sin in the world,
we live in darkness.
Real
light is supernatural. Jesus said in
John 8:12: “‘I
am the light of the world. Whoever
follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” The light of life! Not artificial, but REAL light.
Living in Jesus’ light of life is why
Christians believe in, follow and serve Him.
1 Peter 2:9 describes us: “But
you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging
to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness
into His wonderful light.”
That’s every
believer in Christ!
God’s Holy Spirit shines light into
dark places of the heart, convicting us of sin (John 16:8-9). He fulfills Jesus’ promise, “taking from what is Mine and making it known to you.” (John
16:14).
Apostle Paul says, “However, as it is
written: ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has
prepared for those who love Him,’ but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.”
(1 Corinthians 2:9-10a).
The Holy Spirit reflects the Lord’s
glory and transforms believers into His likeness with ever increasing glory, (2
Corinthians 3:18). God’s Spirit is
Divine Light that reveals sin, God’s truth and His glory. Let’s be careful not to resist the Spirit
(Acts 7:51), quench Him (1 Thessalonians 5:19) or grieve Him (Ephesians
4:30).
Jesus’ light of life was revealed at
His transfiguration (Matthew 17:2).
“There He was transfigured before them.
His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the
light.”
Take
Home Nugget
Sin brings darkness. There won’t be sin in heaven. Revelation 21:23 says, “The city does not
need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light
and the Lamb is its lamp.” The Lamb is
Jesus. Jesus is the light of life.
The parallel Bible verse is Luke
2:32: “…a light for revelation to the
Gentiles and for glory to Your people Israel.”
Jesus’ light of life is how Christians find their way in the darkness.
J.D.
Griffith
A
personal, private lesson experience with our staff
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