A Fallen World: Blinded by Darkness

But whosoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.

I John 2:11

This scripture grabbed my attention recently.  Being blinded by darkness is an unusual phenomenon, worthy of pondering.  I usually think of being blinded by bright lights, stumbling around in the darkness until my eyes adjust and I can see again.  But John says that whoever has animosity, maliciousness, and hatefulness towards his brother is blinded by darkness so dense he’s lost in it. 

The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.  John 1:5.

Hate, anger, violence; sarcasm, greed, dishonesty; fear, dread, angst – you can add to the list – thrive in darkness.  Our sensibilities are assaulted by these dark forces every day from every direction.    

How many times have you heard, “We live in a fallen world,”?   It’s our shorthand for “Satan is alive and well; that explains it.”  And it’s true that the devil’s influence is active, but he can only wreak as much havoc as humans allow, and he only works in the dark.  

When I feel anxious about the injustices and inhumanities of this world, the death and destruction peddled by fear-mongers, I find peace in the truth that God is more powerful than the power of darkness

…now the prince of this world will be driven out  (John 12:31).  …the prince of the world now stands condemned (16:11).  For he [Christ] has rescued us from the dominion of darkness…  (Colossians 1:13).  …he [Christ] too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds power over death – that is, the devil… (Hebrews 2:14b).  

Praise God, there is a bright side.  The Light is on.  The Light rules.  The Light is available for those who choose it.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  John 8:12.  …I will fear no evil for you are with me…Psalm 23:4.          

Dear God, it’s with humility that we thank you for the ability to recognize darkness for what it is – an absence of your Light.  We choose to walk in your Light.  Give us courage and wisdom to reflect your light into dark places, not for our glory but for yours.  Amen

Sandra Milholland, Abilene, Texas