Light in the Darkness
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows - light! sunbursts of light! You repopulated the nation, you expanded its joy. Oh, they're so glad in your presence! Festival joy! The joy of a great celebration, sharing rich gifts and warm greetings. The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants - all their whips and cudgels and curses - Is gone, done away with, a deliverance as surprising and sudden as Gideon's old victory over Midian. Isaiah 9:2-4 MSG
As a nation we are walking through darkness. 2020 began with high hopes and big dreams. It was not only a new year but also a new decade. There was so much anticipation. By the early part of March, the darkness began to set in. There was a new enemy unlike any we have faced before: A pandemic. A word we’ve usually only heard in the movies flew off of the big screen and into our lives. Hopes and dreams were replaced by fears and uncertainty. There were no words to define this new normal.
A few months later, we were finally beginning to see some light. There were encouraging signs. The numbers were stabilizing or going down in some areas. We began to think that summer could bring a better life. But then… On May 25, 2020, a man most of did not know died a horrible death in Minneappolis. George Floyd’s death took us back into the darkness. His death ignited an awareness in many of us that there are things in our nation that are not right. Racism is not right. Brutality in any form is not right.
In the book of Isaiah, Isaiah the prophet talks about oppressors, cruelty and all the horrible things that come with that. These were the things that God’s people had endured for a long time. There was darkness over God’s people. Yet in these verses we see words of hope. We see “a great light,” “joy,” “rich gifts,” “warm greetings,” and “deliverance.” God showed up for His people and things changed. In the midst of today’s darkness there is hope. God has not left us. He is our leader in the fight. He grieves and mourns with us. God has answers for us. So, if He really does have the answer, what is it? Let’s read on:
For a child has been born - for us! the gift of a son - for us! He'll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there'll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. He'll rule from the historic David throne over that promised kingdom. He'll put that kingdom on a firm footing and keep it going With fair dealing and right living, beginning now and lasting always. The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies will do all this. Isaiah 9:6-7 MSG
The message Isaiah gave the people of his time is the same message that is here for us today. The answer is Jesus. He challenged the wrongs of His time. He stood up for those whose voice was not being heard. He healed the sick. He brought comfort. Jesus loves each and every one of us and that love is the same for me, you, the person down the block, the person who is sick, and those of a different color. Differences are never a problem for Him. They never have been. They need not be a problem for us. Actually, they should not be a problem for us. He changed everything. We have lost our way but He will bring us back. He brought light into darkness. He did it over two millennia ago and He will do it again today. Our hope is in Him!
So what can you do today to help bring light into this darkness? Here are just a couple of ideas to get you started.
Pray. Humbly ask God to give you His heart for justice. Ask to see Him shed light into these dark situations.
Sign petitions to bring about justice.
Have honest conversations about race with friends and family.
Give a donation to a racial reconciliation group.
Learn more about racial reconciliation by listening to a podcast or reading a book.
Support local black businesses by buying from them.