I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. John 12:46 (NLT)
Jesus had spoken these words not long before He was arrested, tortured, crucified and raised from the dead. It was interesting times, to say the least, and He was causing quite a stir socially, religiously and politically.
People were very divided over what they believed about Jesus. Some saw the miracles, witnessed His kindness and believed Jesus was the son of God. Some saw the miracles, witnessed His compassion and still did not believe. Others saw and heard, but were threatened by the religious leaders of the day that threatened those who followed Jesus would be outcast or worse. People driven by fear, hemmed in by threats, held ransom by confusion.
I think there is nothing more frightening than confusion. Have you ever woken up not remembering where you are, or sat in the Doctor's office wondering what on earth he means… the absence of certainty can be terrifying. Fear reigns gloriously in the dark.
I was terrified of the dark for many years. Noises, smells, shadows were enough to keep me awake for HOURS… ha!
You may think that's lame… But many of us live like that internally. Often control freakness, narcissism, phobias, etc. all begin with the darkness of doubt, uncertainty, fear, and more, let loose in our heart.
The smokey, black, grey, shatteringly silent, echoey darkness… Jesus came to dispel it and fill our lives with light – truth, grace and love. We no longer need to fear the dark, the places of uncertainty and confusion, because the love of God lights our lives with faith and hope. The night will end, and the morning will dawn.
Trust is the road that leads you out of darkness. It takes you by hand and guides you step by step until the black gives way to grey, then to murky brown, and onto the brilliant golden light of freedom where you can breathe easy and see the way forward.
Don’t look down on those shrouded with confusion, help them to trust…
Trust is still possible, and when you trust Jesus, you live in the light no matter what time of day it is.