LIGHT DISPELS DARKNESSSpeaker: Dr. D.G.S. Dhinakaran Gist: His resurrection brought great joy to His disciples. The news that "He is alive" spread like a wild fire. Darkness departed and light emerged. "Our Shepherd lives" is the good news for us. The One who is my Helper is alive. There lived a servant of God named Oral Roberts in the United States of America. He brought up his children with great care. It was his earnest desire that all his children should not only fear but also serve the Lord. His eldest daughter along with her husband became servants of God as desired by her father.
On account of the ministry, his daughter and her husband visited a city close by. The day came for them to depart from that city. Early that morning, Oral Roberts got ready and was about to drive his car to receive and bring them back. At that time, a policeman stepped in with a newspaper in his hand and said, "Please forgive me because I have brought a very bad news for you" and showed him the newspaper. The news that he read sent a shiver down his spine and he stood fixed like a statue. The news stated that the aircraft in which his daughter and her husband travelled had unfortunately met with an accident and all abode in it were dead. Darkness surrounded and the whole world crashed behind him. He did not know what to do.
However, he went straight to where his grandchildren were. He found them neatly dressed very early in the morning and were having their breakfast. He asked them, "How come you are ready so early in the morning?" They responded with great enthusiasm, "Grandpa! Don't you know that papa and mama are arriving today? We are going to receive them in the airport. That's why we are ready so early in the morning. Won't you come along with us?" These words further crushed his heart into pieces, which was already shattered. His son-in-law's father who was present there said, "Now darkness has surrounded us, but soon the light will dawn." "Yes, now we are in darkness not knowing how to console these dear little children" thus saying both of them wept bitterly. It was pitch dark.
Dearly beloved the first Good Friday when Jesus Christ hung on the Cross of Calvary the whole world dwelt in darkness particularly in all the Jews in the land of Israel. When Jesus Christ was born Simeon took Him up in his arms and blessed God with great joy and said, "For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples."
The prophet Isaiah declares in Isaiah 9:2, "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined." Light shone in all the places where Jesus' presence was felt. But when Jesus died, the whole world was under darkness. People lamented saying, "Oh! The One whom we thought would bring salvation to the Israelites has left us." It seemed that darkness reigned everywhere.
Dearly beloved the death of Jesus symbolizes darkness but His resurrection brought back the light. His resurrection brought great joy to His disciples. The news that "He is alive" spread like a wild fire. Darkness departed and light emerged. This is the good news that was spread by the disciples of Jesus Christ. "Our Shepherd lives" is the good news for us. The One who is my Helper is alive. Even if darkness surrounds, He is there to bring light into your life. He is the light who shines in your darkness of worries and sorrows. He alone will make you glad.
During this Easter Season, remember this truth and be consoled. Offer prayer unto the Lord to remove all your darkness. Surely He will remove your darkness and bless you. The resurrected Saviour would be with you until the end of the ages and would protect you always.
Prayer
Loving Lord,
I praise and thank You because Your resurrection alone brought back light, hope and great joy to me. I boldly confess that my Helper, Saviour, and Shepherd is alive and lives forever more. Make Your light shine upon me to dispel the darkness in my heart and make me glad.
All glory, honour and praises belong to You.
Amen |