There is a prophecy in the night and the day. The night comes before the day; “So the evening and the morning were the first day” (see Genesis 1:3). Night is not the existence of darkness, but absence of light. The world has turned its back on the light and there is darkness. The mourning comes when the world turns back to the light. “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). God did not create the darkness, but during the first years (millennium) of mankind’s dominion on the earth, mankind chose to turn away from the light. God said “Let there be light” (see Genesis 1:3) and there was light.
“The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned” (Matthew 4:16 from Isaiah 9:2). In the Fourth millennium of mankind’s dominion in the earth, that prophecy was fulfilled. God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night (see Genesis 1:16). So the evening and the morning were the fourth day (Genesis 1:19). But the world still desires the darkness over the light. We, the Church, must overcome the world by the blood of the Lamb. We, the Church are the lesser light for the night. We are sent into the darkness to be the light. Jesus said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5). He also said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14).
God has shown me that the rest of 2007 and the beginning of 2008 is a time of renewing. God is renewing His blessing for the righteous in Christ, and He is renewing His word in us and through us. Renew is kin to replenish. Renew is to restore and replenish is to refill. First the Church needs to be restored and then refilled – restored as the body of Christ and refilled with the light. If we reflect light, then the world can come in between God and us and make us a dark shadow; but if we are the light then when the earth tries to get in between, the world gets light from both the greater light and the lesser light. As a reflection of light we can do a lot of good, but with the light in us we can do greater works. “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life’” (John 8:12). “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father” (John 14:12).
Our work is in the darkness; in the darkness is where the lost are in chains. The darkness cannot overcome the light, but the world may block the light. Jesus gave us His righteousness, His light, so we could be a light shinning into the darkness. Be renewed in the promise of God concerning the coming of the Comforter of God. The infilling of the Holy Spirit is the infilling of Light – the oil in the lamps. Be renewed in God’s word, both written (written testimonies of God’s people) and the spoken word of God. The darkness is the desert and the light is living water flowing from our innermost being, turning the desert into a garden. The dry bones will live and will become the army of God; renewed by the promised Holy Spirit.
2008 will be a year of signs and wonders and a continuing of the now prophecies. We are leaving the noon hour of this day and the greater light is moving towards a new day. We can celebrate in His light and reflect Him; now is the time to renew and prepare for the darkness that comes. Now is the time to refill the lantern and prepare the light within. Sunset is coming and it is the seventh day, when no man may kindle a fire. It is also the end of the sixth day, when man shall be created in God’s image and likeness. Make ready for the day of the Lord. There is a prophecy in the night and the day. Listen to the prophecy and prepare.
© 2008, Tim D. Coulter Sr.