Black Friday

This “day after…” was a laid back one for me and Debbie was able to come home early. Today is Debbie’s birthday and we were able to get out early and enjoy a meal at Red Robin. This was my first time to return to the restaurant since last February when I went into septic shock after being there. Not that they were responsible, but the identification as to the timing has been challenging to overcome.

I did manage to get in a good workout today. I had my longest workout on an exercise bike and it felt good to be able to sustain a higher heart rate and a  better time then I have in the past. I am thankful for the small steps of progress that I can see at times.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.”           Matthew 27:45

The day after Thanksgiving is the official start of the Christmas season and is also called, “Black Friday.” The name is connected to the surge of shopping and in spite of bargain prices that retailers will have a bottom line profit and end the season and year in the “black.”

While we are not big shoppers let alone on the day after Thanksgiving, I did think of another “black Friday.” It was the day when Jesus was crucified and for a period of several hours darkness covered all the land. This was just one of the signs, but one of the more dramatic signs of the events of the crucifixion. Everyone would have been aware of this remarkable sign and it would have brought fear among many.

When Jesus began his ministry the words of the prophet Isaiah were being fulfilled that said,

“…the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light…” (Matthew 4:16) And now the light of the world was being taken from them and darkness was covering the land.

It is interesting that one of the plagues in Revelation involves darkness. Revelation 16:10 says, “The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness.”  One aspect of our daily lives we take for granted is the sunrise that greets us each morning. It is that part of the day we anticipated and look forward to. As God’s judgments come upon the earth and specifically “the best” we see darkness covers the world. It is a dramatic display of God’s power and a wake up call as to the true existence of all those on the earth.

Throughout the Bible darkness is used as a metaphor for sin. One of the greatest contrasts using darkness and light is seen in Ephesian 5:8 “…for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light…” We realize that when Paul uses the word “walk” that it means “live” and some translations use that word. However, when I think about it I gain a greater appreciation for the word “walk.”

In Paul’s day walking was still the most common form of transportation. The terrain was varied, the foot wear minimal and the opportunity to turn an ankle, or step on something that could do harm or be bitten by a snake was a constant threat. When Paul warns believers to be “careful how you walk” and then goes on and says, “walk as children of the light” the metaphor comes to life. When you walk in the light you do so with greater confidence and safety. And that is what we need to remind ourselves.

I’m not sure how your “Black Friday” in 2014 went, but a “black Friday” 2000 years ago made it possible  for you to “walk” in the light spiritually and one day the Lord of the light will bring us to a place where there is no darkness.