SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 3-4
“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4)
Satan is only the ‘god of this age’ through deception.
Ever since Genesis 3, he has been deceiving God’s image-bearer rulers.
We are deceived, confused, lost, far from God’s paradise, restless wanderers ‘east of Eden’.
This world, and all creation, would have been a glorious kingdom, bright, beautiful and joy-filled.
Jesus – God with us as a human, in the image of God – comes to restore God’s rule on earth.
So why don’t people jump at the opportunity, why don’t people burst out in praise and appreciation?
Because the deceiver still deceives, and we prefer the darkness of sin rather than the light of the Son.
Look at our world, its brokenness and misery – who would want things to be this way?
Look at Jesus, the glory of His life, and the Spirit He offers us, who wouldn’t want things this way?
Life in this world is hard because the deceiver still deceives.
But we have a treasure that cannot be lost, a hope that is secure, so we hang on to Jesus for Dear Life!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, when You are seen and known for Who You are, nothing else compares. Use us to show the world Who You really are, and to keep the deceiver from blinding people to You.
Observation/Application
We are living letters – epistles – read by all who see us. Christ Jesus alive in us and through us for all to see at all times. LightShine for Jesus and that is only a possibility when we have open hearts and open minds – set alight for Him. I need to keep my eyes fixed on Him always so that I do His will and therefor I live for Jesus, serving Him.
The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Like sunshine at noonday, His glory shone in;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Refrain:
Come to the light, ’tis shining for thee;
Sweetly the light has dawned upon me;
Once I was blind, but now I can see:
The Light of the world is Jesus!
No darkness have we who in Jesus abide;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
We walk in the light when we follow our Guide!
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Ye dwellers in darkness with sin-blinded eyes,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Go, wash at His bidding, and light will arise;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
No need of the sunlight in Heaven we’re told;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
The Lamb is the Light in the city of gold,
The Light of the world is Jesus!