Light and Hope

I don’t know about you, but things in our world seem to be getting out of hand. Sometimes we look around, and it appears as though the darkness is winning. War, school shootings, abuse, human trafficking, murder, suicide…the news never stops. As a result, our hearts ache continuously. People are commenting, “I no longer feel safe to go outside.” and “The world has gone crazy.” Humanity, now more than ever, needs some reassurance that things will be ok. In a word, they (we) need hope. 

The prophet Isaiah talks about man’s hope for light (Isaiah 59:9). Why, you might ask? Because mankind is terrified of the darkness, and we also know that light conquers darkness!

John 1:5 

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Many have wondered what the light was throughout the ages or if it was possible to identify it. Jesus cleared that up in a straightforward statement. 

John 8:12

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

This wonderful light is offered to everyone who chooses to follow him. But more than that, Jesus assures that he can be known and mankind doesn’t have to remain in that oppressive darkness where there is no hope.

John 12:46

I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.

Matthew tells us the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount that it is light beneficiaries who bear the responsibility to be light-bearers:

Matthew 5:14-16

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

We are called to shine that light. Our message is simple. Jesus is the light, and he WINS! He desires for all to escape the darkness and put their hope in him. May this truth comfort us as we share it with the world.

Eyes Up,

Ryan