ROMANS 1:21

“For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened.”

Almost every day we read headlines of another senseless murder. Yesterday, I read about a couple who were killed while on a hike with their two young daughters (thankfully, they were spared). As I write the killer is still at large. What a dark, dark heart, full of evil, to do such a thing. They not only took two innocent lives, but they also left two young girls without their parents. I only pray they did not witness the brutality.

Paul writes about these dark hearts in today’s verse. The word translated as “senseless” can also be translated as “wicked” or “without understanding.” And the word for “were darkened” is always used to refer to sin or judgment. It’s the word skotizó and refers to the absence of the light of Christ. Thanks be to God, we know how to rid the world of that darkness – the eternal light of God displayed through His Son, Jesus.

APPLICATION

In Romans 11:10, Paul uses skotizó again when he quotes Psalm 69:23 to describe the darkening of the minds of Israel. “‘MAY THEIR EYES BE DARKENED TO SEE NOT, AND BEND THEIR BACKS CONTINUALLY.’” Israel refused to see Jesus as their Messiah, but long before that they had darkened their eyes to the light of God. We see that even today in the nation of Israel. Many there are Jewish by birth but not in heart. They have become darkened to God.

I am not disrespecting the nation of Israel. America is no better. We have long proclaimed ourselves as a Christian nation, but many in our country have darkened their hearts to God. So, I am not pointing fingers at Israel. This is true for mankind in general. What’s the cure for this darkness? The light of Christ, as I said earlier.

How’s your heart today? Is it dark with the unconfessed sins of your past or is it full of light? You have heard it said, “Confession is good for the soul.” Well, confession also erases the darkness and allow the light of Christ to shine, not only in you but also on others. Let your light shine today.

Father, erase the darkness of my soul and fill me with Your inexhaustible light!

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis).