From Darkness to Light

Darkness makes us uneasy because it creates dangerous uncertainty.  When power outages occur and we have no flashlight, trying to find our way can be hazardous—heads can bump into a wall or door frame, feet stumble over a footstool or trip on a toy left on the floor.

One great truth runs through the pages of the Bible: God always come through in the darkest hour of uncertainty!  Whether He was rescuing the Israelites from Pharaoh’s armies or protecting the three men in the fiery furnace or ordering Abraham to hold back his knife from plunging it into Isaac, God shows Himself to be a trustworthy Savior from life’s uncertainties in our darkest moments.  The resurrection of Christ that we celebrated last Sunday reminds us that God’s Word brings light and certainty, for three times did Jesus predict He would be raised from death.  The Old Testament also offers its record of God’s promised Messiah, and now that promise is a light that breaks through our uncertainty.

Do you face uncertainty about your job?  Do you struggle with doubt about your children’s future?  Did the doctor notify you about a matter that casts doubt on your own health?  Don’t try to cheer yourself with thoughts that things will eventually get better. Let the light of Christ’s resurrected glory dispel the darkness of those things that cause you to stumble in uncertainty and doubt.

What a glorious difference Easter makes for us!  Christ has been delivered for our offenses and raised for our justification.  The darkness of our sin has been overcome by the light of His resurrection.  Death and the grave have been overcome by life in Christ for eternity and new life in Him every day.  Easter’s glorious light lifts us above our daily battles and puts a spring into our step.  Easter’s glorious light brightens our darkest day and keeps the smile of faith on our lips.  Easter’s glorious light shines down on our deathbeds and puts a light that cannot be extinguished into our graves.

As long as this world of darkness stands, Easter people like us will find their greatest joy in the risen Savior, who said, “I am the Light of the world.  Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  Turn to Christ in confidence that the light of His resurrection has triumphed over evil.  In your Baptism, you were transferred from the kingdom of darkness and made a child of the Light!  The light of Christ’s resurrection enlightens us with promise: “Because I live, you also will live.” Because you have been buried with Him by Baptism into a death like His, you will also be raised to a new life like His in resurrected glory.  Christ’s promises are just as sure and certain as the sunrise that scatters the darkness and brings the new day.  Easter allows us to see the Cross in the Light of the empty tomb: Because Jesus walked away from His tomb, we’ll walk away from ours.  That’s life-changing power, darkness-overcoming Light - and Easter makes it yours.  Thanks be to God!  Christ is risen!