"Shining in the DarknessAsh Wednesday"By Rev. Wayne Palmer
March 09, 2011
Read John 1:1-18.TEXT: "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:5).
Our Lenten season begins in the darkness of winter and by the end of our nearly seven week journey the darkness will have given way to the light of spring. This battle between darkness and light is the theme of the Gospel of John, and it will be the theme of these Lenten devotions.
Chapter 1 begins with the Christmas story; John tells us the Word of God became human and entered our world. But immediately John hints at the struggles our Savior will face: "The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." In the coming weeks we will see Satan, the prince of darkness, use many instruments in his efforts to snuff out the Light: fanatical crowds, treacherous enemies, a disciple's kiss, a high priest's oath, a Roman official's fear, a whip, thorns, nails, a dead tree and a huge stone.
All of us struggle with the power of darkness in our lives, the darkness of fear, doubt, dread and anxiety. We see it in our health problems, financial struggles and our strained relationships. We see it in the darkness of our own struggles within.
On this Ash Wednesday the Holy Spirit calls you to gather with His people in church where He will shine His glorious light into the darkest corners of our sin-filled hearts and minds. The ashes of Ash Wednesday remind us of the death that darkness has brought to all. But it also reminds us our Savior took our death upon Himself, giving us His life and forgiveness.
Join us as we journey through the Gospel of John, watching the Light battle and overcome the darkness for us.
THE PRAYER: Light of the world, shine in my heart and bring me peace. Amen.
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