““Give attention to me, my people, and give ear to me, my nation; for a law will go out from me, and I will set my justice for a light to the peoples. My righteousness draws near, my salvation has gone out, and my arms will judge the peoples; the coastlands hope for me, and for my arm they wait.” Isaiah 51:4-5 ESV
Reflection: how can you see the light of Christ breaking through the darkness of the world?
Today, all across the world, Christians celebrate the risen Lord Jesus Christ. It is for many the most important day in the Christian calendar. A day of victory, of recognizing and celebrating life over death, light over darkness, good over evil, peace over war. In a way, it is recognizing and celebrating the essence of the character of God over Satan. This is an act of worship, of worship of God, and does not go unnoticed, or without a fight by the evil forces all around.
Interestingly, some people of authority saw a storm approaching southern Norway for this Sunday, estimated to be so severe that many churches decided to cancel their services this Sunday, cancel their celebration and worship of the risen Lord Jesus. Perhaps it was done out of an abundance of caution, but one also has to wonder if more was at stake. But, regardless of what anyone to do, the light, the salvation of the Lord, still breaks through.
As I am sure many others, I was curious about the weather this morning, to see what sort of storm was coming. And while there were dark clouds early this morning, right there, as the darkness was covering the land during the morning hours, some rays of light came through the clouds. It was so amazing, so representative of this day. I tried to capture the moment in the picture for today. It was as if the Lord was just reminding us that His salvation, His light and hope for the nations cannot be stopped, but breaks through the darkness even when some say we cannot worship. And this message of hope is also so well reflected in the focus verses today, as the Lord spoke through Isaiah long ago, “My righteousness draws near, my salvation has gone out, and my arms will judge the peoples; the coastlands hope for me, and for my arm they wait.” Isaiah 51:4-5 ESV
Nothing can stop the salvation of the Lord.
He alone atoned for our sin with His own blood. He conquered death as we celebrate this day, and by the same Spirit, He gives us life. He gives us hope for eternal life. He is the victorious and living King of kings. We read on from Isaiah, “Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner; but my salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will never be dismayed. “Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear not the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings. For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool, but my righteousness will be forever, and my salvation to all generations.”” Isaiah 51:6-8 ESV
Evil cannot stop the truth of the empty tomb, the light shining through the darkness. Because light conquers darkness. And, have you also noticed that darkness must yield in the worship and praise of our risen Lord Jesus Christ? Let’s worship Him today, declaring His victory as our Lord, our King, our Hope of salvation, as He breaks through the darkness.
