Darkness Comes

Many Christians have celebrated the “triumphant” entry of Christ into Jerusalem for the next to last time He will do so. As we progress through this week leading up to our celebration of the Resurrection, I am reminded of some of the words He spoke during this week.

Jesus encouraged the people around Him to “walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going.” [John 12:35]

It would appear that in the 21st century there is an incredible amount of “darkness.” Could it be that the problem is not the impotence of God but rather the manner by which God chose to “light the world” during this interim period [see John 9:5] between the “entry” of John 12:12ff, and the next entry which will be a good bit more dramatic? I will remind you that Jesus said that those who “believe” will be “the light of the World.” [Matthew 5:14]

If there is indeed great darkness in our World perhaps it has to do with the issue which faced those who heard these words from His lips. John tells us clearly in verse 37 of Chapter 12, that many did not believe. The sad Truth is that even His closest followers struggled with faith, and not many have fared better in the intervening years.

Believers are to be “sons of light.” [John 12:36] The Church has tried to sell that in lots of silly little ways – “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine,” “brighten the corner where you are,” “let your light shine before men,” etc.

The Truth is, you are designed, called, empowered, and commissioned to dispel the darkness and “be the light!” So just do it, already!