Darkness’ Hour is Over

Darkness’ Hour is Over
NO BODY IN THE GRAVE NOW!
Terry R. Baughman

Then Jesus said, “I am light to the world, and those who embrace me will experience life-giving light, and they will never walk in darkness” (John 8:12 TPT).

Jesus made several “self-proclamations” in His earthly ministry, many of which were recorded in the Gospel of John. Among them was this bold statement, “I am the light of the world.” If anyone else had made this profession, he would have been dismissed as a fool, or an arrogant narcissist. Jesus is the only one who could make such a statement with authority. He is the Creator of the world, and with that accomplishment in His resume, it was well within His jurisdiction to proclaim to be the light to the world!

Paul said, “In him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16 NIV). John, in his Revelation wrote, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (Revelation 4:11 NIV). 

God is the source and beginning of light. In Creation, light sprang forth in obedience to His command, “Let there be light.” The light was challenged with the entrance of sin into the world. Disobedience by the first humans introduced darkness and division from the heavenly light. It has been God’s desire from that moment to restore humanity into relationship with Him that we may again walk in light. That was Christ’s desire and plan. He said, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness” (John 12:46 NIV).

Isaiah declared the day was coming when we might again walk in the light. He predicted, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2 NIV). Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of that prophecy. Yet when He came there were those who chose rather to remain in darkness. John recorded, “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil” (John 3:18 NIV).

The clash of eternal conflict did not disappear simply because Jesus came to earth. If anything, the minions of darkness try all the harder to obscure the light of revelation. However, the power of The Deliverer has stripped away the authority the enemy once owned and all who seek the light can find it! 

The victorious song, There’s no Body in the Grave Now, by Elevation Worship, is our theme for Easter and will be referenced through this season. One phrase references this conflict between darkness and the light boldly proclaiming, “Darkness, your hour is over, Light of the world, mighty to save!” 

The enemy is defeated and Jesus is victorious. Not only is He, the Light, all who believe in Him has the same promise. Jesus said, “… those who embrace me will experience life-giving light, and they will never walk in darkness” (John 8:12 TPT). No child of God needs to fear the darkness. The light has come and we are surrounded by His brilliance. Peter reminds us, “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV).

The reign of darkness is defeated. Jesus is victorious and the light of His Gospel shines to every corner of the globe declaring, He is Mighty to Save! 

Theme passage:
“Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay” (Matthew 28:5-6 NIV).

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