Lent – Day 14

Lighting Lanterns

“I will bring the blind by a way they did not know;
I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them,
And not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16

“I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.” John 12:46

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:10

Before the invention of electricity, oil lamps were common. Add oil, trim the wick and light the lantern.

Without light, darkness is deep, real and often frightening. When a lantern flickers out, the darkness feels complete.

Jesus frequently uses lamps and lanterns in His analogies, comparing His truth and love to physical light (Matt. 5:14-16) or using light to call for a prepared expectation of His return (Matthew 25:1-13). In the New Testament, Jesus calls Himself the Light of the World — and we are invited into His light.

There’s something inside each of us that feels dark — something that weighs heavily on our hearts. Our experiences are different, and each of us feels that burden in a different way. Our life stories are all filled with hardships and difficulties that reveal darkness in our lives.

When you come to Jesus for the first time, you’re cloaked in darkness. Your sin and shame cast shadows over your heart. You’re walking through the world blindly. But Jesus, the Light of the World, reaches you through the darkness and pulls you into His beautiful and glorious light. Jesus, the ultimate lantern, the ultimate guide, sees each detail of your pain and sin.

Throughout your life with Christ, darkness will creep back in.

As a human, you’re sinful. As a child of God, you’re forgiven. Although you will continue making mistakes, Christ’s forgiveness breaks through every barrier. Likewise, difficulties will come that you did not cause, but which affect you greatly. Even in these dark places, Christ is your eternal lantern.

Reflect and Respond

How have you seen Christ’s light in your life? How has He broken through your darkness? What parts of your life need the light of Christ the most? Reflect on this in a quiet moment with the Lord today.