Matthew 2:9
The call of God is to the light of Jesus Christ, but in order to get there, the light of God must come into our darkness and guide us to the grace and truth revealed in Jesus.
When the Magi came to Jerusalem, they didn't know they were coming to worship Jesus specifically. They believed a new earthly king and ruler had been born and they came to pay homage. They didn't know this king's name or the location of his birth. The Word of God from the prophet Micah illuminated their minds and the star reappeared and guided them to Bethlehem and the Christ child. It took the light of God's revealed Word and a sign from Heaven to remove the darkness of their lack of understanding and lead them to the Messiah sent from Heaven. It is the same with us today.
I. The Darkness of Sin and the Light of Salvation
- In the Bible, darkness always represents a life separated from God and characterized by sin and death, and light represents a life united with God and characterized by life and salvation. Darkness leads to despair and light leads to hope. We see this truth in the following texts:
A. Zechariah's Song (Luke 1:76-79) - John the Baptizer
B. Simeon's Praise (Luke 2:27-32) - Peace and Hope
C. Jesus' Declaration (John 8:12; 12:46) - Light vs. Darkness
II. Walking into and Walking in the Light
A. Called to the Light (1 Peter 2:9) - a chosen generation
- God chooses you to be His child and to become a part of His family. He is calling you to leave the darkness of your sinful life and past behind you and to come into a new life that is filled with the light of His life and love.
B. Cleansed by the Light of the World (1 John 1:7-9) - if we walk in the light...
1. We must make a choice when God invites us into the light of Jesus Christ. We can say "yes," or we can say "no" to God's invitation. Saying "yes" requires us to step out in faith and begin to follow Jesus. When we choose to walk into His light with a humble and repentant heart, we are told that the blood which Jesus shed for the forgiveness of our sins cleanses and forgives us of all our sins. In that wonderful moment of cleansing, we become brand new persons who are forgiven and free.
2. Putting your faith in Christ causes you to be rescued from satan's kingdom, which is a kingdom of darkness, and you are made a citizen of a new kingdom, the kingdom of God, which is a kingdom of light. (see Colossians 1:12-14)
III. Being Light in the Darkness
A. We are the Light of the world and called to shine (Matthew 5:14-16)
B. We are the Children of God who shine like stars and offer life (Philippians 2:15-16a)
Will you come and foloow the star, the light that leads to Jesus, peace, faith, hope and forgiveness?
May God's Word and presence lift you out of your darkness and bring you into His Light.
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Bonnie Church of God
P.O. Box 134
Bonnie, IL 62816
(618) 244-1600
e-mail: bcog@bcog.us