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Nov 25, 2022 18:30pm

The Darkness Can’t Cover the Light

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Do you like it completely dark when you sleep or a light on?

It doesn’t matter how tired I am, I can get in bed and close my eyes, but if there is even a tiny glimmer of light somewhere, I can see it, and I can’t sleep.

One night, I was determined to shut out all the light and be in total darkness to get the best sleep ever. I turned the tv around so you couldn’t see the light at the bottom. I put a towel over the printer, doubled up so none would shine through. I took a hand towel and doubled it up over the microwave clock and was confident every light was covered. I slipped into bed, turned off my lamp, and closed my eyes. Immediately, I could see it. A tiny green light on our noise machine. I moved to go cover it and Shaun urged me to just close my eyes. But I couldn’t ignore the light. I arose, found a washcloth from under the sink and placed it on top. I quietly got back into bed, feeling satisfied and proud of myself. As I closed my eyes again, I could still see light. Where was that coming from? I had done everything I could to hide the light, so what was causing this bright beam?

A cloud had rolled away and revealed a bright, shining moon. A light that could not be hidden.

I grunted, rolled over frustrated, and tried to sleep.

No matter how hard you may try, even in the darkest of places, the light is still there. Sometimes becoming the focus, all that you see.

Jesus. A man. A prophet. A carpenter by trade. The son of Mary and Joseph. A Nazarite. A teacher. A speaker. And most importantly, the Son of God.

Powerful and religious leaders opposed Jesus because of the crowds he drew, the miracles He performed, the words that He spoke that commanded attention and came with authority. These men sought their own power, desired that people should look to them for guidance in the law of God, and should continue in supporting them financially as well.

Their very livelihood and everything they had known was being threatened. So, they began to devise evil plans to rid themselves of Jesus.

“Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s. When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.” (Matthew 22:15-22)

The darkness, no matter how hard it tries, can never cover the light.

Jesus knew what was in their hearts. For these Pharisees to team up with their enemies, the Herodians, He knew it meant trouble. The Pharisees hated the political group because of their support of Herod Antipas. The Israelites despised the Romans for the oppression of their people. And note, the Pharisees didn’t even go themselves, they sent their disciples with their enemy.

If Jesus said it was right to pay taxes, the Pharisees would call blaspheme, since God was the only King they served. But on the other hand, if He said to not pay taxes, then the Herodians would arrest Him for treason and rebellion.

The darkness, no matter how hard it tries, can never cover the light.

Jesus’ reply came swift and forceful. Knowing their intent, He responded in the most perfect way, avoiding their trap, and astonishing them as He spoke.

They were speechless. They had tried their hardest, had the best plan known to man to trap Him, and yet, He somehow had managed to outwit them once again.

And all that could be seen was His light as they marveled at Him.

Today, darkness spreads across our globe. War-torn countries fighting for peace. Terrorists taking over as they kidnap women, torture others, and the slaughter of thousands ensues. But even in the darkness of places, no matter how hard it tries, it can never cover the light.

Where is God as all of this takes place? Right where He has always been- on His throne as King, ruling with righteous authority, knowing that the light will shine even brighter in the darkness. In these horrible places, during these horrific times, the light is all they will see and will be the glimmer of hope they need.

Pray for the people of Afghanistan. Pray that they see the light of Jesus and focus on Him through these times. Pray for the missionaries who have and will give their lives to give them the light of Christ.

“To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:79)

“In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1:4-5)

“I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.” (John 12:46)

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

The darkness, no matter how hard it tries, can never cover the light.