Word@Work Luke335 - Luke 22:52-53
Published: Thu, 04/14/11
Word@Work from BeaconLight
WHEN DARKNESS REIGNS
Luke 22:52-53 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour--when darkness reigns." (NIV)
It was a very dark night. Jesus had just been arrested when one of His disciples betrayed Him with a kiss. The Son of God, who created everything, was now bound and led to His trial by those He made and had come to save. It was already a travesty of justice; a farcical event. As Jesus said, He had been teaching in the temple courts every day and they had had the opportunity to seize Him there. But they did not have the courage. The crowd would have been incensed and started a riot against the temple authorities, who could not afford to lose face with the Roman occupation force.
So they came at night to take the Prince of Peace prisoner, using poles designed for crowd control and brandishing swords. Yet at any moment Jesus could have thwarted their plan as He had done so many times before, but that night darkness was allowed to rule. Not just a physical absence of light, but a palpable evil had deceived the minds of religious people and seduced even one of His own disciples. When Jesus said, "This is your hour", He meant that it was the brief moment of time when the devil would be allowed to have authority over Jesus, the Light of the World. Jesus had recently confirmed it by saying, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be turned over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again." (Luke 18:31-33). And the purpose was so that He could bear the sins of the world and save sinners from the kingdom of darkness (John 3:16).
If Jesus could become a temporary victim of Satan's power-lust, then His followers should expect an hour of darkness from time to time. Although nothing can separate us from God's love, He will give limited permission for Satan to tempt us. Such times are never pleasant, and at the time would seem to consume us with their awfulness. Nevertheless the Lord always has the last word. He only allows trials and temptations so that we may come to maturity and that His powerful answer will be seen, bringing glory to God. So do not be despondent when Satan seems to win the advantage. Trust in the Lord's greater purpose, which will not only amaze you and others as you see His power, but will glorify Him as He deals yet another decisive blow to the kingdom of darkness.
Prayer: Dear Lord God. I hesitate to thank You for those times when it seems that evil will win the day, but Your Word tells me to give thanks in all circumstances. Help me not to be discouraged or crushed, but to take the example of the Lord Jesus as evidence that such tests are only temporary, and for those who keep trusting, the glory is eternal. Help me also to strengthen and comfort my brothers and sisters in Christ when they face dark days, knowing that You work all things together for the good of those who love You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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It was a very dark night. Jesus had just been arrested when one of His disciples betrayed Him with a kiss. The Son of God, who created everything, was now bound and led to His trial by those He made and had come to save. It was already a travesty of justice; a farcical event. As Jesus said, He had been teaching in the temple courts every day and they had had the opportunity to seize Him there. But they did not have the courage. The crowd would have been incensed and started a riot against the temple authorities, who could not afford to lose face with the Roman occupation force.
So they came at night to take the Prince of Peace prisoner, using poles designed for crowd control and brandishing swords. Yet at any moment Jesus could have thwarted their plan as He had done so many times before, but that night darkness was allowed to rule. Not just a physical absence of light, but a palpable evil had deceived the minds of religious people and seduced even one of His own disciples. When Jesus said, "This is your hour", He meant that it was the brief moment of time when the devil would be allowed to have authority over Jesus, the Light of the World. Jesus had recently confirmed it by saying, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be turned over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again." (Luke 18:31-33). And the purpose was so that He could bear the sins of the world and save sinners from the kingdom of darkness (John 3:16).
If Jesus could become a temporary victim of Satan's power-lust, then His followers should expect an hour of darkness from time to time. Although nothing can separate us from God's love, He will give limited permission for Satan to tempt us. Such times are never pleasant, and at the time would seem to consume us with their awfulness. Nevertheless the Lord always has the last word. He only allows trials and temptations so that we may come to maturity and that His powerful answer will be seen, bringing glory to God. So do not be despondent when Satan seems to win the advantage. Trust in the Lord's greater purpose, which will not only amaze you and others as you see His power, but will glorify Him as He deals yet another decisive blow to the kingdom of darkness.
Prayer: Dear Lord God. I hesitate to thank You for those times when it seems that evil will win the day, but Your Word tells me to give thanks in all circumstances. Help me not to be discouraged or crushed, but to take the example of the Lord Jesus as evidence that such tests are only temporary, and for those who keep trusting, the glory is eternal. Help me also to strengthen and comfort my brothers and sisters in Christ when they face dark days, knowing that You work all things together for the good of those who love You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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