I formed you, and set you
as a covenant of the people,
a light for the nations,
To open the eyes of the blind,
to bring out prisoners from confinement,
and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness. (Is 42:6b-7)
The symbols of light and dark are used quite often in the scriptures, both in the Old and New Testament.
I think that we are most used to hearing it in the New Testament as it refers to Jesus Christ or as Jesus applies it to His followers. However, the basis for all of the Lord’s talk is rooted in Old Testament scriptures from the prophets.
Isaiah often spoke about the people living in darkness and about the eventual coming of a light to the nations that would free all people who were enslaved to darkness.
That hope given to us by Isaiah was fulfilled in the person of Jesus.
However, it did not stop there.
Jesus commissioned us to go out into the world and tell the Good News. When we do so, we are, in effect, bringing the light of Christ into a world that is shrouded in the darkness of sin and death.
This week — Holy Week — we prepare to commemorate that ancient battle between darkness and light, reminding ourselves of the victory of Christ, our light, over sin and death.
Let us be light for as many people as possible this day and this week that they may have a fuller appreciation of the Lord as Easter approaches.
FAITH ACTION: Live the life of a Christian to its fullest today so that you may be a light to those around you.