The Cross Shines In The Darkness

Recently I had some ministry cards made that I can pass out to people so they can read my articles on this site and pray for my global writing ministry. They have a gold cross that stands out against the black colored cards. This is true of the cross of Christ; it stands out over this darkened world of deception, a spiritual darkness manifested in so many ways.

There is a chasm between darkness and light. Many people want to live life totally apart from God, living any way they want to and doing their own thing. However, society has witnessed the consequences of this. It is apparent in drug use, depression, suicide, rampant crime, sexual abuse, broken homes and families, and the list could go on. There is lack of purpose with no hope and peace. This is where the cross stands out and makes a difference. It bridges the spiritual chasm between darkness and light.

What is the cross of which I speak that shines brightly against the spiritual backdrop of humanity? It is the blood of Jesus, crucified 2,000 years ago, for our sins. It was a demonstration of how much he loves each and everyone of us, and calls people to come out of their depression, hopelessness, and guilt. Sadly, however, “the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (II Corinthians 4:4). As a result, “the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing…” (I Cor. 1:28). Instead, many put their trust in world leaders, governments, and societal “solutions.” There are many so-called “saviors” in the world of darkness. But “truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, that he should live on forever and never see the pit”(Psalm 49:7-9). 1 Timothy 2:5-6 says, “There is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all…” and “there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by  which we must be saved”(Acts 4:12). Jesus is the only bridge from spiritual darkness to light!

So, if you are living in darkness there is light on the other side of this great chasm, made possible by the brightly shining cross. The other half of 1 Corinthians 1:18, “…but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God,” can apply to you.

On my ministry cards are the words, “Global Writing Ministries” in small letters, but the gold cross is what stands out. Were it not for the cross there would be no ministry. The darkness of depression, guilt, and hopelessness, can be replaced by the light of the cross through forgiveness and being made right with God. Jesus says as recorded in John 12:46, “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.”  Romans 5:10 adds, ”For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.”

When you take that first step on the cross over the chasm between darkness and light, you will be “delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of God’s beloved Son, in whom we have redemption and forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14).