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Vol. 11 No. 10 October 2009 |
Page 13 |
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Vol. 11 No. 10 October 2009 |
Page 13 |
Donald R. Fox
“The New York City blackout of 1977 came at a low point in New York history, at a time when the city was facing a financial crisis. It lasted only one night, but by the time it was over, a record 3,776 people had been arrested, and looting, vandalism, and arson had caused an estimated $300 million worth of damage.” “In all, 1,616 stores were damaged in looting and rioting.” “Thirty-five blocks of Broadway were destroyed: 134 stores looted, 45 of them set ablaze.” “1,037 fires were responded to, including 14 multiple-alarm fires. In the largest mass arrest in city history, 3,776 people were arrested. Many had to be stuffed into overcrowded cells, precinct basements and other makeshift holding pens.” (Reference: This Day in History, 13 July 2009)
The opposite of blackness is light. It is more common for crimes and evil workers to engage in their sin under the cover of darkness. Although crimes are committed in the daytime, honest, hard working people are more apprehensive of evildoers in the night. Statistics state that crimes such as DUI—Driving Under the Influence, DWI—Driving While Intoxicated, PI—Public Intoxication, Assault, Burglary and Sex crimes are greatest at night. We understand that these crimes are not only the heaviest at night, but also on holidays and full moons. Any law enforcement agency can bear witness to this fact.
Christians Are to Walk in the Light of the Gospel
“Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? And who knoweth us?” (Isaiah 29:15). “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high placed” (Ephesians 6:12). “But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes” (1 John 2:11). “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship, one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:5-7).
Darkness to Light Is Needed
Christians must live in such a way as to provide light by means of good works. “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2: 14-15). “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17). “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).