Luke

The Bible begins and ends with light.

The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep…Then God said, ‘Let there be light;’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good… Genesis 1:2-4a.

I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, and the bright and morning star. The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost. Revelation 22:16, 17.

Genesis 1 introduces light. God provides a physical preview in stunning brilliance of THE LIGHT to come; the light that will bring illumination to the human soul. Revelation ends with a calling to come to The LIGHT. There is a calling upon our lives to come to the bright and morning star; the most brilliant light in the sky.

The morning is upon us and the light of day is here; the Sunshine has overcome the night. 

There are times when I am overwhelmed with the darkness of this world. Such as:

• The curse of false religions that lead millions of millions into the darkness of eternity 
• The wretched evil of child pornography and exploitation; human slaves and trafficking; the slaughter of the innocent from warlords and dictators. 
• The nearly 1 million US abortions performed per year. 
• The filth of Hollywood and the corruption in DC.

Darkness dominates where there is no light. But darkness is temporary. We should certainly care about the darkness in our world, but not be overwhelmed. Isaiah proclaims that darkness should not disarm you with despair. Darkness is not long here.

The Light is here for us now to shine in our hearts. And also, in the future. He is coming soon to illuminate the entire world.

First, let’s marvel that the Light in our hearts is here; He is among us; ask Him to shine in your own heart: 

But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall. Malachi 4.2

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. Isaiah 9:2

Regarding the coming illumination for the entire world, consider carefully the words of Isaiah: 

Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth, and deep darkness the peoples; But the Lord will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Isaiah 60.1-13.

 

Back to Luke 1

In the context of these Old Testament prophecies, the birth of John the Baptist stirs the people’s interest. The new-born’s previously mute father, Zacharias, is now loudly and passionately speaking of what is to come. His son John, will prepare the way for the coming of the Most High; the Light of the world. Zacharias says:

the Sunrise (Jesus) from on high will visit us; To shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:76-79. 

Dear Father, I have been thinking much lately about how You dwell within us. You dwell 24/7 within our being. You never leave, never sleep, never relax. You are always living within us and all of Your radiant attributes are within us as well. Today we pray that Your light will shine in us and through us. Our hearts were once dark. You hovered over our void and dark hearts and You said, Let there be light, and there was Light. We are humbled; we are thankful; we are forever grateful. Amen!