When Darkness Reigns

Invitation to Prayer
When Jesus walked among humankind there was a certain simplicity to being his disciple. Primarily it meant to go with him in an attitude of observation, study, obedience, and imitation. Family and occupations were deserted for long periods to go with Jesus as he walked from place to place announcing, showing and explaining the here-and-now governance or action of God. Disciples had to be with him to learn how to do what he did (Dallas Willard, The Great Omission, 6).

The Psalm (Psalm 27:1-5)
The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.

The Scripture Reading (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."

For Reflection
Darkness reigns whenever and wherever people live in fear. Jesus had never taken a weapon in hand, but his enemies came with swords and clubs. Jesus had walked and taught openly in Jerusalem, but his opponents never attempted to take him into custody when crowds could witness it. They came at night, armed and away from the traffic of Jerusalem. Judas led them to the garden, but their fear drove them there. And darkness reigned.

How do your fears cast darkness over your life?

Closing Prayer
Lord, you are my light and my salvation. Why then do my fears continue to throw clouds over my days, skewing my thoughts and making it hard to find you? Jesus, you are the light of the world. Send your blazing light into every part of my life today. Amen.