Light drives out darkness

​1-24-23
My devotion for today is based on the prophecy of Isaiah in Isaiah 9:2, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned.”
Twenty-seven hundred years ago, in the days of Isaiah the prophet, Israel had lost all hope. The ruthless Assyrian Empire swallowed up the Northern Israelites. And the Babylonians were crouching, ready to pounce on what remained of God’s people. Eventually, these two enemies decimated the nation of Israel.
 
When Jesus arrived hundreds of years after this prophecy, he declared he was the light Isaiah predicted. Yet, instead of just conquering their earthly enemies, Jesus had a bigger goal. He came to conquer sin and death and rule their hearts with his peace. And so, hanging on a cross, he absorbed the darkness of the world into himself until it killed him, and then he rose again as the light of life.
 
Don’t let the daily news distort your faith in the promises of God. The glory of God has brightened your dark heart. And soon, Jesus will bring our story to a happy ending.
 
Please pray with me, Lord God; darkness covers this world and casts a shadow on my heart. Thank you for your light in my life. Please help me to reflect that light to all I come into contact with today. In your blessed name, I pray. Amen.