The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. The light has shined on those who lived in the land of the shadow of death. You have multiplied the nation. You have increased their joy. They rejoice before you according to the joy in harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the plunder.
–Isaiah 9:2-3
In a dark room, if people have a choice between turning on an overhead light or a small lamp, most will opt for the lamp.
To go from complete darkness to bright light is a real shock. It pains our eyes and we’ll shield them until we can adjust to the glare.
Isaiah prophesied of a great light, Jesus Christ, coming into a dark world.
John said that most people Jesus came to save had not accepted His light. And many today still reject it. The light of Christ throws their sins and shortcomings into sharp relief, causing pangs of inadequacy. They have no sense anything good will happen if they are fully illuminated by God.
We who have experienced the light can still walk in darkness and have the same instinct to shield our eyes when the light returns. But, don’t shield your eyes, or worse, turn off the light again.
We may feel some discomfort when confronted with the truth of Christ’s light. But after that pain, there is joy. We’ll see new fruit in our lives and will wonder why we ever chose the darkness in the first place.
So, if you find yourself in a place of darkness, don’t shield your eyes. Turn on the overhead light and bask in the glow of God’s love.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, Thank You for being a light in this dark world. Please fill me with Your Spirit and Your glory. In Your name I pray, Amen.
Reflection
Is there a truth of God that once brought me joy but now brings discomfort or pain? I will ask God to help me endure the temporary pain so I can walk in the light of this truth again and know its joy.