It has not been overcome.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. (Isaiah 9:2 ESV)

Isaiah bore witness to the pervasive darkness in the life of Israel. His prophecies, though often ignored, were a beacon of hope in the midst of their suffering. Despite their rebellion, Isaiah continued to reassure the people of God’s unwavering grace and mercy, a comforting promise that would ultimately deliver them from their sins.

We sin, and we suffer the repercussions of our sin. Like Israel, God is merciful with us and applies his grace despite our rebellion. God mercy included sending Christ into the world so that his suffering would cleanse us of our sin and usher in a kingdom of peace for those who believe in Christ.

Today, we may find ourselves walking in darkness, but there are those among us who have 'seen a great light' Jesus is that light. 'The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it' (John 1:5). This light, this truth, cannot be extinguished. On the cross, Jesus triumphed over sin and death. Satan’s reign was brought to an end. While the evil one may still hold sway in this world, his ultimate defeat is prophesied by John in Revelation.

In the Hebrew בַּחֹ֔שֶׁךְ (Ba·Ḥō·Šeḵ), the word darkness means obscured, as well as figuratively: misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness. Satan cannot overcome Christ, so he obscures the gospel to those who do not know Christ and casts doubt in the minds of some who do. This obscuring of the truth causes what the Hebrew notes: misery, destruction, and ignorance. We know this is the case, as Jesus told us that Satan was the “father of lies” (John 8:44).

We all know the origin of lies; we need only look at Genesis 3 to see the serpent obscuring the truth, questioning the word of God, twisting it, and calling God a liar. The result was that Eve and Adam ate from the tree. The serpent lied, and Adam and Eve did die; they died a spiritual death. Eating from the tree was not a sin. The sin was Eve’s decision to listen to the serpent and ignore God's command—a sin we witness in the world of darkness every single day.

We no longer need to wait for the light to appear. Unlike Israel, we can now behold the light; we can behold Christ. We are saved through our faith. Our faith does not save us, but it is the conduit through which Christ saves us. The light has shone upon you, but do you see it? Do you see Him? Do you see Christ, or is He obscured?

When we read the Bible, we see the repetitive nature of humanity and its sins: the Asherah, the sacrificial altar to false gods, and the idolatry of today. We see it in humanity's greed, self-centeredness, and rebellion. We see it in the worship of beasts, money, fame, and self-worship. The light is there; it has not been overcome.

Speak the gospel, teach the gospel, and others will receive the gospel by faith. Unless the good news is spoken, it cannot be heard. Paul wrote this to the Romans 10:14-15: How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” They cannot be heard unless you speak the words; others cannot hear the gospel, and lives will remain condemned.

Each time we speak the gospel, there is an unrealized renewal of faith. The light becomes stronger and brighter; others will see it in the profession of our faith. Speak the Word, teach the Word, and preach the Word. You could be the one who opens the door for God to change a heart of stone.

Peace and Grace!