Be a Light in the Darkness
Luke gives us many great details concerning the exact time frame of the beginning of John the Baptist’s ministry. In true historian style, he notes the military and government leaders as well as the religious ones. We can make no mistake as to when John entered the scene in Israel. Besides giving us a great timeline, Luke also helps his readers understand the mood of Israel at the time John began preparing the way for the Messiah. First, we are told that Tiberius Caesar reigned. History tells us that Tiberius was cruel and severe in his punishments. Pilate, governor of Judea was also legendary for his brutal massacres of the Jews and his distaste of their race. After the Herod of Jesus’ birth died, he divided his kingdom between four of his sons: Herod, Phillip, Trachonitis, and Lysanias. All these men, like their father before them, went down in history for their cruelty and corruption. Finally, we have the High Priests of the day. We are told of Annas and Caiaphas. Annas was Caiaphas’ father-in-law. He was stripped of his status by the Roman government and the mantle was passed to Caiaphas. However, many believe Annas still pulled all the strings. We must remember that the High Priest title was not bestowed because of merit or righteousness. It was given by Herod – usually at the cost of a bribe or pledge of fidelity. This alone casts doubt on the holiness of these ‘holy’ men.
I have trouble watching the news anymore. Once there was a time when I would read the newspaper to discover the good things that were happening around the world. In my innocence, I believed the people in charge always made decisions to benefit their constituents. Then I grew up. I began really listening. Very few of the men and women in power got there because they were the best for the job. Most bribed, threatened, or manipulated their way to power. Times truly have not changed. Purity of purpose is beautiful but very rare the higher up in power we travel.
It was into a world much like our own that the Messiah first entered the scene. It is to such a world that he will return. Corruption can be found in every office where greed seeps in. That does not mean that every leader has been corrupted. As I read Luke’s list of powerful men in the times of Jesus, I can’t help but think of those who were holy. I think of Nicodemus who was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin. Also, Joseph of Arimathea, the man who lent Jesus his tomb for three days, was also a prominent member of the Sanhedrin. Not all who wore power did so because of corruption and cruelty.
No matter how dark our world grows, we don’t have to dim our light. As we read and watch stories of the horrors that occur throughout our world, as we feel the sting of unjust laws and rulings, let us shine all the brighter. History books may not record our names, but God will. This world needs us to stand up and point the way to our Savior. Our voice may be small compared with the chaos of evil, but together we grow louder. Hold fast. Keep fighting the good fight. We may not appear to make a difference when we look at the big picture, but we are looking at the picture from Earth – not Heaven. We will never know the impact of our love and steadfast faith until we arrive on Heaven’s doorstep. I believe then we will be overwhelmed by the power of God working through our simple lives and seemingly irrelevant proclamations of righteousness in a world embracing evil. Many will join us to worship our King for eternity when we all stand strong during this temporal life.
(Written by Keegan Harkins.)
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