Have
respect unto the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are full of the
habitations of cruelty. O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor
and needy praise thy name (Psalm 74:20-21).
Significantly, the
Hebrew word translated "earth" above is "erets," which also
refers to a world or nation. The dark places of the earth or of the nations are
places where actions of cruelty and wickedness: genocides, terrorism, wars
etc., have found a breeding ground. They refer to injurious and malevolent
lands and environments where vicious acts of wickedness are in manifest
operation; places governed by agents of darkness and the principalities of
evil.
What was God’s answer to
the cries coming from these dark regions of the world? First, He sent His Word
(Psalm 107:20), in the Person of Jesus. John 1:14 tells us that the Word became
flesh, and dwelt amongst us. God’s solution was packaged in the man, Christ
Jesus, who came as the Saviour of the world. However, after His crucifixion,
burial and resurrection, He ascended to heaven; but not without commissioning
us, the Church, to continue the work that He started. Isaiah 53:10 says,
"…he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of
the Lord shall prosper in his hand."
We’re the seed of Jesus
Christ; His reproduction; and through us, the ministry that He started
continues. He gave us the power of attorney to use His Name, and His Word to
live by. Now, you’re God’s light to the dark regions of the world today. When
Jesus came, He said, "…I am the light of the world: he that followeth me
shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12).
Then in Matthew 5:14, He said concerning you and me, "Ye are the light of
the world…."
The dark places of the
earth might have been filled with the habitations of cruelty, but you’re the
one to do something about it. You’re the light of the world; so don’t be quiet.
Preach the Gospel; shine the light of God’s Word into the dark regions of the
earth.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I pray that
the light of your grace, that brings salvation, will shine brightly in the dark
places of the earth as the Gospel is unveiled to them, that men and women
therein would be turned from darkness to light, and become partakers of your
grace and love, in Jesus’ Name. Amen!
f u r t h e r s t u d
y: Matthew 5:15-16; Romans 1:16
Daily
Scripture Reading
1 Year Reading Plan :
John 16:17-33, 1 Chronicles 7-8
2 Year Reading Plan :
Mark 14:32-42, Numbers 35
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