Declaring Light

2 Corinthians 4:1-4

Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. (2 Corinthians 4:4)

PRINCESS AURORA LAY IN A DEEP SLEEP, and the entire kingdom, surrounded by darkness and dense forest, slept with her. Only the kiss of the virtuous prince from afar could break the spell cast on her, and he was imprisoned, apparently conquered by forces of evil. Armed with the sword of truth and the shield of virtue, the prince eventually escaped to kiss the princess and rescue the kingdom. The darkness lifted, and all joined in the royal couple’s wedding banquet.

Disney’s rendition of Charles Perrault’s seventeenth-century Sleeping Beauty not only makes for a great movie; it also paints a pretty good picture of the gospel. Isaiah wrote of all nations being shrouded with the darkness of night as the glory of God rose and appeared over his people (Isaiah 60:1-3). Paul wrote of the minds of the human race being blinded by evil forces so they cannot see God’s glorious light but also of the Good News being unveiled. From images like these, we know that our prayer for God’s Kingdom to come is not an innocuous request. Whenever we pray for one kingdom to come, we are implying that another needs to go. We are entering into a menacing spiritual fray.

Enter in with the confidence that you are shielded with Jesus’ virtue and armed with his sword of truth. You likely already have a list of things you are praying for; with care, add to it the things you are praying against. In the Spirit, oppose the agenda of evil and pray that it would be replaced by the agenda of God’s goodness. The world needs plenty of spiritual advocates. Be one.

That role will usually play out behind the scenes, but it is nevertheless a vital one. Identify those who are bound in spiritual confusion and pray for their liberation. Go to battle in prayer for those who have been wounded by all sorts of abuses and threats. Construct prayers that shine the light of God’s Kingdom into dark corners. Wherever you look, become the fighting prince of your King.

{Father, you have enlisted us as unusual soldiers to influence the world behind the scenes. Raise us up in power to destroy darkness and declare the light of your Kingdom. Unveil your glory in this world. Amen.