Who turned on the light?

Colossians 1:13-14

     For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.

     It’s hard to understand Kingdom mentality, especially since we live in a free, democratic society, as in the United States. But if you could imagine for a moment, living in a country where you were not free to live as you please; one where you were bound by a dark, mean ruler, whose only purpose was to cause you misery and pain. Where you worked, who you married, what you ate and where you lived was all decided for you; you were simply a slave to the ruler of this dark, depressing place. Everything about this place was pure torment. Could you imagine living in a place like this? I believe that everyone would agree that your soul’s desire would be for someone to sweep into that country, pick you up and carry you away to a land that was the complete opposite of that torment. You would be so grateful and indebted to your rescuer and deliverer, probably serving him the rest of your life. Your perspective on life would probably be radically different as well. Existing in darkness and oppression for most of your life would give you a new appreciation for freedom, happiness and joy. Even the greatest of inconveniences wouldn’t phase your outlook because you would know where you came from and you would remember what darkness felt like.

     I realize this example was a crude representation but it explains our salvation experience, and one we all need to be reminded of, from time to time. At one point in our lives, we were living in darkness and depression; bound by an evil, mean ruler. But Jesus Christ came onto the scene, swooped down, picked us up, rescued us and carried us into His new Kingdom of light. He did this by shedding His own blood on the cross of Calvary; overcoming death, hell and the grave, once and for all. Satan, the enemy of our souls, is no longer our mean, evil ruler; we are free to live for Jesus Christ and serve him for the rest of our lives.

     Too often, we forget where we came from and fail to remember what darkness felt like. If we were to remind ourselves of that on a daily basis, I believe we would live our lives very differently. Inconveniences wouldn’t faze us, rude people wouldn’t ruffle our feathers, hurts and disappointments wouldn’t blindside us because we would know and appreciate living in the light, never wanting or desiring to go back to the dreariness of the darkness.

     Are you still living in the darkness? Do you desire to be rescued and delivered into the Kingdom of light? Take this opportunity to pray and ask God to forgive you of all your sins, believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross to make atonement (make things right) for your sins, confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and strive to serve Him and have a personal relationship with Him all the days of your life. If you took the time to pray that pray……Welcome to the Kingdom!

Have a great day!