How can we drive out darkness from this dark world we live in? Martin Luther King Jr. answers that question in this great quote. Darkness cannot drive out darkness and hate cannot drive out hate. Only the light can drive out darkness and only love can drive out hate.
This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editorfor markalanwilliams.net.
On August 21, 2017, we had a solar eclipse that was visible here in the United States. This occurred because the moon came between the earth and the sun, blocking the sun’s light and causing the sky to darken for a few minutes. Then as the moon continued its orbit, the sun became visible again, driving out the darkness and revealing the light of day once more.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness because we need the light of the sun to do so. But, what if the sun had not reappeared and we were stuck in darkness? I realized how dependent we are on the sun for its light, heat and to grow the food that we eat. The sun is so powerful and essential for life.
Even without an eclipse this world can be a dark place. Many are looking for answers to social and moral problems that plague society. But, if we seek reform through government, politicians, laws, education and other means we will be disappointed. While these things can help, they cannot provide the cure that is needed.
This is because the solutions for hate, violence, racism, terrorism and war can never be found in man’s ideas. These issues are matters of the heart and mind and deeply rooted in our inherent sinful nature. Therefore, a different remedy is needed.
Thankfully, God’s Word contains the answer for the darkness and hate that are so prevalent in today’s world.
In the Bible light and darkness represent good and evil.
Light is good and God Himself is light.
Light is synonymous with God, goodness, holiness, love, salvation, wisdom, insight and understanding.
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5 NIV)
Darkness on the other hand is bad and synonymous with evil, sin, ignorance, unbelief and separation from God.
John 3:19 says, “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” (NIV)
1 John 2:11 says, “But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” (NIV)
Darkness cannot drive out darkness because we need light to do so. In the same way that we need the light of the sun to dispel the darkness of earth, we need the light of the Son, Jesus to remove our spiritual darkness.
John 8:12 says, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (NIV)
John 1:4-5 says, “The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” (NLT)
Without Jesus in our lives, we are in a spiritual eclipse with no light to see.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness because we need the light of the Gospel. The only way the world can change is through the love and light of Jesus Christ in the hearts and minds of people.
2 Corinthians 4:6 says, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” (NIV)
To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me. (Acts 26:18 ESV)
Through Jesus, we find the light and love that drive out darkness and hate.
We turn from darkness to light by accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior by faith and agreeing with Him that we are sinners in need of a Savior.
Then with the light of Christ, we become His light bearers.
Matthew 5:14-15 says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (NIV)
Our visible light drives out the darkness and brings glory to God.
Are you shining for God?
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“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” –Martin Luther King Jr. | CLICK TO TWEET
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