Set Free: 21 Day Devotional: Day 8
DAY #8
Key Verse:
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:5 NIV
John 1:5 NIV
Reflection:
In Genesis God spoke, “Let there be light,” and there was light. A physical light shone into the dark, formless world, and the light gave way to life. John’s gospel invites us to see that this same light now comes to light up the darkness of the human heart. Whether in creation or in the human heart, there is nothing like darkness of sin, shame, anxiety, fear, pride, self-righteousness, even the exhaustion of self-reliance, will confine the sould and spirit of a person, until The Spirit breathes, “let there be light.” The light brings life and give way to new found freedoms. (2 Cor 4:6)
The Prophecy of Isaiah (Isaiah 9:2) foretold that people living in deep darkness will see a “great light”. Light brings to mind the illuminated sky in Bethlehem at the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:9). We see the Light again at the Resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24) where the ultimate victory over the darkness of the cross, death, hell and the grave was once and for all overcome by light (John 19:30). All of humanity - set free by the unquenchable Light! Throughout scripture, we see the Light of the world spiritually setting free the shackled, the bound, and the imprisoned (Luke 1:79). Even as creation groaned for freedom...so people groan to be free. John explains, there is a light that brings life (John 8:12). This light cannot be extinguished. This light has always been. This light will remain. And, now this light has come to your front door to light up your personal darkness to give you life, and to set you free.
What darkness in you cannot be overcome by this life-giving, resurrecting, Light? There is no darkness that cannot be overcome. It is John’s confession, “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” The question is: Is it also your confession?
The Prophecy of Isaiah (Isaiah 9:2) foretold that people living in deep darkness will see a “great light”. Light brings to mind the illuminated sky in Bethlehem at the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:9). We see the Light again at the Resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24) where the ultimate victory over the darkness of the cross, death, hell and the grave was once and for all overcome by light (John 19:30). All of humanity - set free by the unquenchable Light! Throughout scripture, we see the Light of the world spiritually setting free the shackled, the bound, and the imprisoned (Luke 1:79). Even as creation groaned for freedom...so people groan to be free. John explains, there is a light that brings life (John 8:12). This light cannot be extinguished. This light has always been. This light will remain. And, now this light has come to your front door to light up your personal darkness to give you life, and to set you free.
What darkness in you cannot be overcome by this life-giving, resurrecting, Light? There is no darkness that cannot be overcome. It is John’s confession, “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” The question is: Is it also your confession?
2 Questions To Consider:
- When I feel imprisoned or bound by darkness, am I willing to practice John’s “Confession of the Light,” allowing Jesus’ light to expose and set me free from the darkness in me?
- When I experience any type of darkness in me (depression, anxiety, hidden sin, fear, self-righteousness, or even self-reliance) have I taken steps towards freedom by practicing confession with a trusted friend or counselor? Have I sought help and healing from the Great Counselor, the Holy Spirit?
Prayer Focus:
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