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)
We all once walked in darkness but believers in Jesus now reside in His marvelous light. We no longer have to live in the pigpen of our own poor choices keeping us wallowing in the ways of the world. We are given the firm grounding of Jesus and we are to build our lives upon the Rock of Christ. No rains or windy storms or floods can knock us down as we keep our eyes fixed on Him. Remember, just because we are in Christ does not prevent hard things from happening to us. I am confident all of us can “Amen” that! Indeed, Jesus promised trials and tribulations.
Our Lord did not want our troubles trials to take us by surprise but He prepared us for them as He knew they were a given. We presently live in a fallen and broken world – earth is definitely not heaven, right? What Jesus does give those who follow after Him, walking in the light of His ways and His love, is the power to go through these trials. He bestows upon us strength giving way to strength as we pass through our Valley of Baca’s (tears). And He is also the Master at making beauty out of our ashes, working all things out for our good and for His glory never one surpassing the other. Our trials and troubles always have purpose for our ultimate good or they would not be allowed.
Believers in Jesus have been delivered from the dominion of darkness and we are therefore no longer to be slaves to sin rather slaves of righteousness. At Saul’s turned Paul’s conversion, Jesus Himself stated in Acts 26:17-18 (NIV): “I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” Sadly, there are those who love the darkness more that the light because their deeds are evil. They remain darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God due to the hardening of their hearts. They refuse to turn from their ways and come into the light for forgiveness, acceptance and love. God’s arms are open to all men but many foolishly do not desire to come to Him.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)