Deliverance from Darkness
“You light a lamp for me. The LORD, my God, lights up my darkness.”
Psalm 18:28 NLT
We live in a dark world. Many of us are alone and fearful. Many of us are hurting. The darkness comes upon us slowly, and if we’re not watchful, panic can get a foothold in our life.
“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” (Matthew 26:41 NLT)
In the Old Testament, God is called the Light of His people.
“No longer will you have the sun for light by day, Nor for brightness will the moon give you light; But you will have the LORD for an everlasting light, And your God for your glory.“ (Isaiah 60:19 NLT)
In the New Testament, Jesus declares that He has come as a Light into the world so that those who believe on Him should not walk in darkness.
“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12 NLT)
When we bring these two themes together, we see that the Lord Jesus Christ is Jehovah, and is the Light of His people.
“The LORD is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?“ (Psalm 27:1 NLT)
The whole Bible confirms the fact that those who don’t know the Lord are walking in darkness.
“Some sat in darkness and deepest gloom, imprisoned in iron chains of misery. They rebelled against the words of God, scorning the counsel of the Most High.“ (Psalm 107:10 NLT)
Jesus also says that we are the light of the world.
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.“ (Matthew 5:14-16 NLT)
“Light reveals, light makes manifest, and that is the first way in which we must all know the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no other like Him. His very presence among men was the condemnation of all other men, for here, at last, was one Man absolutely holy, utterly true, perfectly righteous. Every other man was shown up alongside of Him as sinful and full of iniquity. Men turned away from Him, fearing the illumination that His presence brings. But nevertheless He is the light of the world, and all men are going to be judged by the light that the Lord Jesus Christ brought into this scene. It is through the knowledge of Christ and subjection to Him that deliverance is given from darkness and its awful power.“ Harry Ironside