There Is Light in the Darkness 

Recently we have experienced some vivid reminders of the evil present in the world – not just that it is a reality, but also how dark it can really be. We have seen it surface in acts of violence that became headlines on our news feeds and the hot topic in social media. It showed up in the random murder of a young lady on a subway train, as well as in the targeted assassin of a political influencer who was also known for boldly sharing his faith in Jesus. These events took place even as we remembered the 9/11 attacks that occurred in our country twenty-four years earlier. In all of these, we have been disturbed by the brutality of the acts and the callousness that disregards the value of human lives. We have grieved for families left behind whose lives will never be the same.

However, we are also aware that such evil is not uncommon. Other violent acts take place on a daily basis where there are no videos taken or no prominent figure involved. Yet murders happen. Families grieve. And particularly in certain parts of the world, Christians are persecuted and killed specifically for their faith – people whom we can without hesitation refer to as Christian martyrs. The darkness is always there. Sometimes we simply get a more graphic or personal reminder of its presence and activity among us.

The presence of the darkness of evil should not surprise us. Neither should we be astonished by its reaction to light and truth. Jesus, the one true Light of the world, warned us about it. “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed” (John 3:19-20). This attitude toward the light played out in the world’s treatment of Jesus. He was rejected. He was mischaracterized as being part of the darkness rather than the light. Those in darkness were not satisfied until they had done all they could to try to snuff out that light. And they thought they had accomplished their goal when He died on the cross. Thankfully, that wasn’t the end. The dark day of crucifixion gave way to the glorious light of a resurrection. And that light of truth has been carried into all the world by Jesus’ followers.

That is the good news. Although evil is present and active in the world, the light of Christ, the light of truth, is also here and is greater than the darkness. In John 1:5, we are told in reference to Christ that the light shines in the darkness, but the darkness did not overcome it. What was true of Jesus as the Light also holds true for us today. Evil will continue to be part of our world. It will manifest itself at times as it resists the truth and as it strikes out at the light. However, it will not win. There may be days and even seasons when it seems to be winning the war. Nevertheless, any victories it gains are only short-lived. There is coming a day when the followers of Jesus will experience a place where there is no more darkness, but we will be living completely in the light of Christ and His glory.

In the meantime, let’s be the lights of the world Jesus has called us to be. Let’s overcome evil by sharing the truth and by living godly lives. Let’s overcome hatred by showing God’s love, even to our enemies. Let’s live out the admonition, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).