The Power of Darkness

Scripture Reading: Psalm 96; Isaiah 60-64; Colossians 1

He has delivered us from the power of darkness…

I find that phrase, “the power of darkness,” striking. Christ delivers us, not just from darkness, but from its power. In what sense does darkness have power?

First, because there is a person behind the darkness – the devil, the prince of darkness. It is not a neutral thing like walking down the street at night. There is a spiritual force involved. This person and his minions wish to keep lost sinners captive in this darkness. He deceives and tempts and tricks and lies...all to keep souls walking in darkness.

This darkness has a power because of how if affects the soul. It is a spiritual darkness that is not just outside a man without Christ, but is within, shaping the heart and mind and leading the lost into all kinds of evil and wickedness in thought and in deed.

There is a power in the darkness the way it casts the soul into a state of fear. Darkness always seems to have that effect on men. It leaves them wondering what is lurking around them, what dangers they face that they can’t even see. Then, fear becomes the driving force of life, making the decisions and guiding the ways of men.

Also, darkness makes it where a person can’t see where they are going. They stumble aimlessly through life without any real purpose. They can’t see a path or the dangers that lie in their way.

For all these reasons and more, Paul rightly calls it the power of darkness.

The Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into this world of darkness to deliver us from it. Jesus is the Light of the World. Those whose faith is in Him, no longer walk in darkness but have the light of life. They have been delivered from the power of darkness.

Praise Be!

Amen.