“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”Colossians 1:13-14 NIV
Reflection: what is an example of the “dominion of darkness” ?
When you think of the word “rescue”, what comes to mind? Most would probably say being pulled out of some life threatening situation; like a ship that is sinking, or being pulled from some natural disaster like a flood. But we also use this term to describe being pulled out of various imprisonments, such as physically being held captive during a war. Or for pulling someone out of drug or alcohol addiction. Even getting someone out of an abusive relationship can be a rescue operation. According to Webster’s dictionary, the word rescue means primarily “to free from confinement, danger, or evil; to save, to deliver”. Isn’t it interesting that even in a secular definition, this word has a very spiritual meaning – being saved, delivered.
Paul in his letter to the Colossians also used this word rescue, that as a born again Christian, our Heavenly Father has “rescued us from the dominion of darkness, and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves”. Colossians 1:13 NIV. That sounds great, right? But have you thought about what “dominion of darkness” you have been rescued from? Saved from? In fact, many use the term “I am saved”, but not tea reflecting much I’ve what actually they have been saved from, or rescued from. Why is that? Do we not understand the evil, the darkness all around us? Or perhaps we don’t think it is so bad? Our desire to be close to the Lord exposes what is hiding in the shadows, in darkness. Once exposed to light, it cannot stand.
“Dominion of darkness” is kind of a strange phrase, not easy to understand. But “dominion” really means something that has power, has control. But what then are some of the examples of where darkness has dominion? Paul gives a number of examples later in this amazing letter. Read this, and think of whether any of these have power over you in any way:
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Colossians 3:1-10 NIV.
This is not a complete list, but a good list to start with. sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed; anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language; lies. Keep in mind that evil works in the shadows. In the hidden parts of our lives. Through deception and excuses. If you find yourself making any excuses for your own behavior, there might be some dominion of darkness still in your life. Only in the kingdom of light can we be rescued from this dominion of darkness.
Do you need to be rescued?