Light in the Darkness

Walking in the dark night of Africa is risky. The black mamba, one of the world’s deadliest snakes, can completely camouflage himself within the inky darkness. He is one of the few snakes which are active at night and particularly loves wood or metal that has absorbed the heat of the day. 

We encountered the black mamba only once, coiled around the grating on our screen door. After a long night of good conversation and milky, hot chai by lantern light, we walked our guests to the door. As my husband reached out his hand, the darkness moved, alerting us to the killer’s poisonous presence. The sleeping village erupted in excited shouts as men, women, and children came running from every direction to kill the snake. The air quaked with chaos, some voices praising God for our safety and others shouting warnings that a witch doctor had taken the form of a snake and positioned himself on the door of the Jesus followers’ house. 

One thing was clear to everyone: even a small amount of lantern light had been enough to overcome the darkness and save my husband from death.

We took many walks in the dark during those years, but we were never without light. 

The brilliant moon danced around us in silver shadows as we marched through tall grass and past corn stalks bowing in the wind like polite courtiers. Darkness tried in vain to envelop our path but the light was always too great. The ancient orb and his host of shining stars shimmered in the African night sky like the notes of a symphony reaching crescendo. Light was on display in the darkness, and the darkness could not overcome it.

Lent is a celebration of Light in the darkness. In the weeks leading up to Resurrection Day, we wait with anticipation for the One who overcomes our darkness.

400 long years passed between the Old Testament prophecies of a Messiah and the coming of the Light of the World. When the Israelite captives hung their harps on willows by the waters of Babylon and wept as they remembered Zion, the darkness seemed victorious. But hope rose in their song. Its light raced down the twisting corridors of the ages and illuminated a humble stable in Bethlehem.

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:9-12).

Like the sun that rises every day upon you and me, the Light of God rose upon human hearts with the coming of Jesus. Through His death and resurrection, He pushed back the darkness and defeated it. He made it possible for those who believe in Him to become children of God.

Sometimes the night is long, and we wonder if the darkness will win.

Darkness cannot win, for the Light of the World has come. #Lent #RessurectionDay #Jesus Click To Tweet

Belief is our light in the long, dark night. 

On the night of His betrayal and arrest, Jesus said to his disciples, 

Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me (John 14:1). 

Belief keeps the candle burning even as darkness tries in vain to suffocate the soul. If you are suffering a long, dark night, dear one, take heart. Even a candle flame chases away darkness.

Jesus brings light to everyone without exception. You are not His exception, no matter what lies the enemy whispers to you from the shadows. The Messiah has come to light your darkness. Have you welcomed Him? Have you believed Him? When you do, no dark night will be without Light. You will become a child of God.

Then you yourself will become a light.

Lord, during this Lenten season, overcome my darkness and make me a light. Amen.

@audreycfrank