Luke 2:32 says, “A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. (KJV) Simeon had been waiting for the Messiah to come, and he recognized Jesus as the Messiah when Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the temple to be circumcised and presented to God. Jesus is the Light of the world and if we believe in Him and the power of His name then the light is in us. John 8:12 says “Then spake Jesus again unto them saying, I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (KJV)
Light always conquers darkness, even the “darkness” of trials and tribulations of everyday life. When our friends and co-workers start telling us the problems they are experiencing today the best thing we can do for them is to speak the Word, which brings light. My favorite scripture is Psalm 119:89. “Forever O' Lord, they word is settled in heaven.” (KJV) Sure problems come at us, but what does the Word (the Bible) say about the situation. You might say, “Well, Brother Johnny, we have to face the facts.” Yes, it is a fact that Satan is attacking you. It is a fact that you have cancer or it is a fact that you are out of a job or it is a fact that your family is falling apart. There is something greater than facts, and that is Truth. When facts and Truth collide, the Truth will overrun the facts. So when we have a problem, attack it with the Word of God that is forever settled in heaven. Then by our thoughts and mouth we settle it in our hearts and it will establish itself on the earth (in our life).
Acts 12:7 says “And behold the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.” (KJV) This was an actual jail cell that Peter was in, but the Power of God was able to get in there. That Power, that Light set Peter free from a physical prison cell. My friend, there are people today walking down the street beside you on the way to work, but for all you know they may be in prison. There are prison cells of fear, drug addictions and insecurities. There are people who are not sure if their spouse loves them. They live in constant doubt. What a terrible prison that must be. There are all kinds of “emotional prisons” today.
Let's go out today and shine that Light which is the Word and who is Jesus!!
Prison experiences can go from one night in city jail to death row confinement. Emotional/psychological/circumstantial prisons are just as diverse. The same light that set Peter free from a physical prison cell will set people free all around us from whatever holds them captive. They just have to let in the light of God's Word. Be sensitive, listen to them, but then take control and shine that Light into their cell, and I guarantee you that their “chains will fall off”.
