Needing Light in this Present Darkness

Needing Light in this Present Darkness 

by David Brenneman 

In the beginning of the book of John we read of John the Baptist referring to himself as a precursor to the Light. 

"There came a man sent from God, whose name was John.  He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man." John 1:6-9.

We who are in Christ are to be lights in this dark world.  To reflect the Light of Jesus Christ to all we cross paths with.   

"nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house." Matthew 5:15.

It's extremely important to remember your identity in this world. The Spirit testifies concerning those who have come to Christ for salvation.  

The world should see the light of Jesus Christ in us.  This is what brings us to the persecutions that we read of in the Bible as well as our own experiences or what we read in the news. 

The world hates the light because it's deeds are evil.

Our world is still extremely influenced by Satan.  He, by now, is a master at getting us to downplay the severity of the message of salvation...at the urgency of the return of Jesus. 

His message isn't to outright stop telling others, but rather to put it off, someone else will do it.  He will convince people to take time for self before putting themselves out there in telling others about their need to be saved.  That there's time.  That someone else "more qualified" can tell others about Jesus. 

If you are indeed saved, you are already more than qualified to tell anyone about how you came to Christ for salvation. 

By putting off living a life for Jesus, you are indeed doing what Jesus spoke of earlier in Matthew.  You are putting that light you received under a basket. 

The interesting thing about light is it really needs no explanation as to what it is. 

It's a revealer of the truth of what surrounds a person.  It exposes whatever was being done in the dark.  

‭‭"So Jesus said to them, “My time is not yet here, but your time is always opportune. The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it, that its deeds are evil." John7:6-7.

When we live in the light, we can expect those who frolic in the darkness to have a problem with us.  

Even after the 7 year Great Tribulation, after a full thousand years of Jesus bringing perfect peace to this fallen world, after all the misery, pain, destruction are far removed from mankind's way of life...mankind will still turn on Jesus. 

‭‭"This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.” John 3:19-21.

Look at the hold that the world tries to have on you. 

The world wants you to take your convictions and keep them to yourself. 

The world wants you to keep your faith to yourself. 

The world is more than willing to demonstrate their hatred for the truth that the Gospel message reveals in themselves. 

But we are to stand firm anyway.  Be suited up for battle.  Be that light in this present darkness.

Right up until the Rapture of the Church happens, we will still see people coming to Christ for salvation.  There's a line of demarcation between that last person before the Rapture and after.  Only Jesus knows who those people will be.  It's on the true Church to be about the Father’s business in showing the Light of Jesus Christ.  It's on all Believers to keep testifying to the Truth.  Pointing people to Jesus.  Every single Believer has the ability to point people to Jesus. There is no doctorate or degree needed.  When it comes to sharing the gospel, education is entirely overrated.  A willing heart that loves Jesus is all that anyone needs. 

So today...take that cover off that light of Jesus that is in you.

Be in the Word of God daily and listen to what He's telling you.  Be like Ananias who simply said "Yes Lord?" when he was spoken to.  Be in conversation daily with Jesus as well.  Ananias shared his fears and Jesus took care of them...he believed Jesus. 

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.