Blog

Observation

Jesus speaks of a ruler of darkness. He recognises that an entity, a “ruler of this dark world” will come against him, wielding darkness and power over individuals. 

This world only makes sense when we understand the power of darkness and it’s grapple with light. Only when we understand that there is hostility in the heavenly realm that plays out in the natural realm can we make sense of our lives and the world around us. 

Darkness has great power, but it’s power is obsolete unless it has something to use against us. Darkness has no power without our invitation or permission, or the invitation of those with authority over us (whether aware or unaware). Jesus declares darkness “has no power over Him for he has nothing to use against him”. Darkness, then, gains power through the permission of sin. When I choose the sin of worry, you give the worry power over you; you give it permission to enhance, breeding anxiety, fear and dread which each rob me of the life God intends. When I choose the sin of adultery there is permission gained through my sin to wreak the havoc of adultery – the distrust, disunity, brokenness, jealousy, rage, the crushing of abandonment that we see so often in life. These are the rights to power of the ruler of darkness. 

The list of sin is not new. It has been there from the beginning of time. It is not extensive, but it is powerful for the wisdom of mankind has never been able to submit to their need of rescue in order to overcome darkness. 

Wherever there is havoc and brokenness look for the power given for darkness to have rights and it will be plain to see. 

Application

Awareness!

• Be aware that there are forces of darkness with strategic powerful plans for your life. 
• Be aware of how darkness operates and where its power comes from. 
• Close the door in Jesus name. Repent and renew your ways, and darkness will lose its power to operate in your life. 

Response

Thank you that you are the way, the truth and the life. Thank you that you don’t leave me hanging. You don’t leave me to wonder what is happening in and around me, but give me clear understanding that darkness operates in the permission given by and through my choice to sin. Thank you that in you I can overcome the powers of darkness. I will live in your presence, and in your love. In this space, darkness will have nothing to use against me. I am blessed. 

Meditation

Spend some time in meditation. Bring awareness to areas of your life in which your choices have given darkness power.