Saturday Reflection \u2013 03 October 2020<\/p>\n\n\n
\u201cThe people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness \u2013 on them light has shined. Isaiah 9:2<\/p>\n\n\n
Have you ever wanted to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, and the light switch is on the other end of the room so you have to grope around in the dark to find your way safely. Many times, we are successful and other times, we hit our toe against something in the room. Imagine that state of uncertainty as to exactly where on the wall, the light switch is, as we grope around and cannot seem to find its exact location. See our arms outstretched as we try to guide ourselves safely to the bathroom. Now, imagine the difference when we find the switch and the light is turned on. It is a completely different reality. There is clarity and we know exactly where we are going.<\/p>\n\n\n
The prophet Isaiah uses this comparison to bring home the immense darkness that covers the world. In that darkness, there is hopelessness, fear, frustration, hurt and pain, there is no clarity in thought and sight and we grope around to find our way. And there, in that dark and dread state, comes the Christ to dispel the darkness. Jesus said \u201cI am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.\u201d (St. John 8:12)<\/p>\n\n\n
Remember that clarity that we experienced when we finally found the light switch and we turned it on. Now, we see the obstacles clearly that prevented our way \u2013 some we tripped over, some in front of us. But we see the path clearly to where we need to go. There is the change when our eyes are opened, and we see things clearer. We begin to recognize those snares that trapped us, the obstacles that we need to avoid, and we walk hand-in-hand with our all-seeing and all-knowing Saviour who journeys with us to the very end. All that groping around, the hopelessness, fear, frustration, hurt and pain is transformed as the darkness is dispelled and replaced with power, love and a sound mind.<\/p>\n\n\n
Isaiah begins to ignite hope in a hopeless and broken world marred by the consequences of sin, negligence and disobedience. There, the Messiah would come and bring light to the world. He would teach us the way to live and open the gates of glory. He would come to heal our brokenness, help the sick and sin-sick and open our eyes. As a ransom for sin he would reconcile us with God. Now the Messiah has come, and the light shines in the darkness. There is hope where it seems that we no longer can see our way through. Light to guide us, journey with us \u2013 journey through this pandemic that seems to have clouded the pathway that is our normalcy. Brothers and sisters, even in this pandemic \u2013 our moment of deep darkness, on us light has shined.<\/p>\n\n\n
We do not need to grope around, for the Christ, the light of the world, has guided us, through his Word, his Holy Spirit and the health professionals that seek to safeguard our health. Therefore, we need not be afraid, but be wise and obedient.<\/p>\n\n\n
Until next week, as we journey onwards, may we know him and walk in his light. There is hope for in the midst of the darkness, David declares \u201cYou make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.\u201d (Psalm 16:11, ESV) Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n
Dominic J. Blair<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Saturday Reflection \u2013 03 October 2020 \u201cThe people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness \u2013 on them light has shined. Isaiah 9:2 Have you ever wanted to go to the bathroom in the\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"template":"","watchword_topic":[12],"class_list":["post-341","watchword","type-watchword","status-publish","hentry","watchword_topic-hope"],"yoast_head":"\n