The ideas of light and darkness are used a lot in the Bible. Light is used to symbolize God and love and life and good; whereas, darkness is used to symbolize evil, sin, and death. These associations aren’t only found in the Bible. They have made their way into our culture too. In Star Wars, virtuous Jedi are drawn to the Dark Side when they give in to selfish desires for power. Horror movies are almost always filmed at night, in the dark, while movies about heaven often depict bright white rooms or glowing clouds or even sunshine streaming through gardens. It’s natural for humans to associate light with good and darkness with bad. Most predators hunt at night after all. It’s instinctive. Today’s verse is one among many using this symbolism. But there’s a twist. Paul starts by saying God rescued us from the domain of darkness. So far, so good. He continues, “and transferred us into the kingdom of…” I was expecting “light.” But Paul doesn’t say light. He says, “the Son He loves.” Light isn’t just a symbol for Jesus. Jesus IS light. Jesus Himself said, “I AM the light of the world.” The only reason there is any light anywhere ever is because Jesus is there. There is no light, no good, no love, no joy, no truth… without Jesus. Unlike in Star Wars where the Jedi start out good but turn to the Dark Side, we were all born into the domain of darkness. Jesus gives us the opportunity to turn to the Light Side, to Him.
Dear Jesus,
I wholeheartedly accept your Light! Thank you for rescuing me from the domain of darkness. Fill my life and heart with your light and all that is good. Thank you for all the ways you do this for me everyday through birdsongs or flowers blooming or a joyful memory. Teach me how to reflect your light into the lives of those around me.
CamDevo 