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John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Yesterday we noted that the people of God had been waiting hundreds of years for their coming Messiah. Approximately 400 years had passed since the last of the Old Testament writings. To make matters worse, their entire country had become overwhelmed by the Roman Empire. Israel was no longer it’s own nation.
With so much time, there were likely some who had given up hoping for a coming Messiah. Similarly, there were others who were hoping for a warrior king to arrive to overthrow the evil Roman Empire. Those who maintained a hope in power and strength.
But there was also a remnant of people who continued to have hope for a coming Messiah. A people who meditated on Old Testament prophecies. A people who prayed with a desire to understand the heart of God. A people who prayed for God to do what only God could do. A people who hoped to one day see a “Light that shines in the darkness” be fulfilled.
READING & PRAYERS:
JOHN 1:5, 2 CORINTHIANS 4:6 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: Is there any area of your life which has been consumed by darkness? What would it look like to begin allowing God to be light in this area of your life?
DIGGING DEEPER: Write down a list of things that could potentially be leading to you experiencing despair in this area of your life. Consider what steps you may need to take to begin eliminating these thoughts or activities from your life one by one.
Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess there are areas of my life in which I desire You to fulfill my will instead of me seeking to understand Your heart and fulfill Your will. Continue to mold me into one who is able to see the world, people, and circumstances through the lens of the Scriptures. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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