Punching Holes In The Darkness

“When Robert Louis Stevenson was a child of six or seven, he was watching the lamplighter at work one evening. As the boy stood silently at his window, he saw the man move down the street lighting street lamps one by one. Thinking his silence was evidence of mischief, his nanny called out to ask what Robert was doing. Young Stevenson replied, “I’m watching a man punch holes in the darkness.”*

There is no doubt that we live in a world that contains much spiritual darkness. In his letter to believers in Ephesus, the apostle Paul references what we are up against: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the level of evil and wickedness that we see around us. What can be done?

As Christians, we are called to be light-bearers. Jesus said: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 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. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14–16).

The battle against spiritual darkness begins with us.  We must live like children of light (Ephesians 5:8; 1 John 1:6-7). We must personally refuse to participate in the darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 5:11). We must actively put off the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light (Romans 13:12).

Punching holes in the darkness involves living in the light ourselves and shining the way for others to leave the darkness and come to the light -- one dark corner at a time. Point them to Jesus.  He is the Light of the world (John 8:12).

God loves you!

Mike

*preaching.com