“I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness, and will hold Your hand; I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, as a light to the Gentiles, to open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the prison, those who sit in darkness from the prison house” (Isaiah 42:6-7).
A lamp fulfills its purpose when it provides light. It doesn’t do anyone any good to have a five foot lamp in the middle of a crowded dark room and not turn it on. Leaving it off can pose a serious risk to those who are in the room. Lamps are designed to shine light. This is their purpose for existing. They expose the darkness while illuminating their surroundings.
Jesus came to expose and destroy the works of darkness. He was intentional about bringing the works of Satan out in the open. Those men and women who were in need of physical healing, Jesus restored. Those who were imprisoned by sin, Jesus released from their bondage. To those who were without hope, Jesus provided hope. And to those who needed salvation, Jesus offered His life. Jesus conquered the works of darkness.
Regarding the promised Messiah, the prophet Isaiah writes, “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6, NIV). God wanted the darkness exposed and destroyed within every people group through Jesus’ mission.
You have an important role to play in the success of this mission. From the start, God’s plan was to redeem the nations (Genesis 12:1-3). Think of the great bondage, pain, and suffering people find themselves in as a result of sin: spiritual darkness. Sometimes, it is the sin of others that places them in this world of self-destruction. This is very painful to watch.
Jesus came to destroy the power of sin. He came to infuse the light of life into the darkness of your life. God does not want you to live in oppression. He does not want you to be a prisoner to sin. God wants you to be free. He wants you to find true freedom. God reveals the darkness in your life to bring you to the Light of Life, Jesus Christ.
Read: Open your Bible and read John 5:31-32, 35.
Reflect: Prayerfully consider the following: Am I focused on helping others escape the darkness? How can I shine better for Jesus?
Respond: As a result of these truths, what might need to change in my attitude, beliefs, and actions? What steps do I need to take outwardly?
The source of this content comes from our book, Walking with Jesus.