Isaiah 60:2 See, darkness covers the earth
    and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
    and his glory appears over you.

Verse 1 of this chapter is particularly famous, and we have it on a banner in our sanctuary. However, this verse is also very significant, because it points up the distinction between God’s people and those who are not His people. This actually has nothing to do with national boundaries, even though some translations of this verse use the word, nations. When Isaiah was writing, borders were very fluid, and the term was applied to people-groups as much as to geography. This brings to mind the miracles of the Exodus, where only in the territory of the Jews was there light. (Exodus 10:21-23) I don’t think this verse is talking about physical darkness. In the context of spiritual darkness, it is obvious even today. As Jesus famously said, “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” (John 3:19-21) Jesus also promised, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) However, light is a choice. Jesus spoke of “coming into the light,” and John pointed out, “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) Light is a privilege, but it is also a choice, and the devil works overtime to try to make the darkness seem attractive. I could go on and on about this, because it is a common theme in the Bible, but the point for us is that we need to be aware of this issue and consistent in choosing the light of life in Christ.

I have had my moments of being tempted by darkness, and I haven’t been consistent in resisting. However, in the long run, I definitely prefer the light! Physically speaking, my eyes are quite sensitive to light, to the point that when I was working as a photo lab technician many years ago, I could read a newspaper under the darkroom safelights that didn’t expose photo paper. Even today, sunglasses are essential for me when the weather is bright. That said, I prefer interiors to be bright, and am appreciative of the advantages of LED lighting. I’ve never understood people who kept their houses half dark (as they seemed to me). That, however, is trivial, compared to the reality of spiritual light and darkness. I need to be active in my pursuit of the light of Christ, and not fall for the devil’s distractions. And there are plenty of those! I’m just finishing up a book on spiritual warfare, and it is a good reminder of the devil’s schemes. I’m not to fall for any of them, but rather keep things turned up to “full brightness,” not just for my sake but so that the light of Christ may shine on those around me as well, for their blessing and His glory.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the really good day yesterday, and for all You did in it. May I not be presumptive or feel entitled, but walk in the obedience of gratitude, today and every day, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!