PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 22:47-53
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“But this is your hour — when darkness reigns.” (Luke 22:53)
Jesus describes this moment as a moment when darkness reigns.
This is not the only moment when darkness seems to reign.
There are people around the world experiencing the reign of darkness.
Currently I think of Afghanistan or Haiti, or North Korea or…
What about the darkness of abuse, injustice, inequality, poverty, crime?
Our natural instinct is to grab our swords, to fight back, to rise up with power.
“‘No more of this!’ And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.” (Luke 22:51)
Jesus knows force and violence do not stop darkness (20 years of forced peace in Afghanistan?).
Jesus does not offer a political solution, but he does give us a personal response.
He overcomes evil by refusing to join evil, and instead heals his enemy.
His solution does not work – he still suffers and dies… yet light triumphs.
This moment of darkness does not last; light is restored on resurrection day!
Jesus has overcome the darkness, and light will one day be restored.
In the meantime, will I join him in resisting darkness and refusing to join the violence?
PRAYER
Lord, you shine bright in this world of darkness. Help me to trust in your victory over the darkness, and to join you in spreading the light.
Ironically, Jesus WAS leading a revolutionary change, and amazing to think that now, 2000 years later, it is modern Christianity that leads the rights of “swords and clubs” of the day.
Lord help us understand that violence does not bring peace. Please deliver those that are suffering around the world at the hands of those that move in the darkness. Give us the ability to heal and keep us from harm, and from harming others.
This is the lowest of low – after the betrayal – and Jesus willingly allows it – because He knows he must let evil/darkness reign – he submits to it – and what an act of will it took- he had the power, and he proved it – the men fell down and he healed the ear of the servant. What a temptation – unbelievable – but Jesus persevered! Oh Lord, led not darkness get the upper hand in me – I know sometimes darkness does reign and overpowers me -distracts me – how often have you rescued me? Let me not let darkness have he upper hand – and let me not bring darkness to others but light and hope!!
The kiss of death – betrayal of love and trust. The enemy within.
Coming to arrest in the cloud of darkness is met with no resistance from Jesus. His light would come through in the end. His time will come and for all those who believe in His power – will experience the light of Jesus and His healing power. LightShine.
The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Like sunshine at noonday, His glory shone in;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Refrain:
Come to the light, ’tis shining for thee;
Sweetly the light has dawned upon me;
Once I was blind, but now I can see:
The Light of the world is Jesus!