October 8 — "When The Light Went Dark"

Today's Reading: Matthew 27:45-66

When Jesus—the Light of the World—died on the cross, creation didn’t whisper... it roared. Darkness fell, rocks exploded, the temple veil shredded, and graves cracked open (Matthew 27). These weren’t random cosmic hiccups; they were divine fireworks announcing that Jesus’ death was the ultimate cosmic reset—obliterating sin, smashing death, and flinging wide the door to God.

At high noon, the sky went pitch black for three full hours (v. 45), as if creation itself was grieving its Creator. When the Light went out, Jesus absorbed the full weight of our sin’s shadow. The earth trembled, rocks split apart (v. 51), unable to stay silent in the face of such holy power. In the Bible, rocks and mountains often symbolize strength and permanence (Psalm 18:2). Their cracking? A loud, stone-faced confession: even the toughest crumble before Jesus’ authority.

Then came the veil. That ancient, towering curtain—over 60 feet high and thick as a man’s hand—stood like a “Do Not Enter” sign between humanity and God’s presence. But when Jesus died, it tore from top to bottom (v. 51). Not a random rip. This was God Himself grabbing the top edge and saying, “Enough! No more barriers—come close!”

Graves burst open, saints walked out (v. 52–53), proving Jesus didn’t just dent death—He demolished it. A Roman centurion, battle-hardened and unimpressed by drama, saw it all and declared, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (v. 54). If he got it, we can too!

When the Light went dark, it was for you. His death means you can approach God directly—no priest, no go-between. The torn veil is your invitation. The shattered rocks and opened tombs shout that nothing—no sin, no fear, no death—can keep you from His love. This is personal. Jesus did it to bring you near.

So run to Him! The veil’s gone—don’t let guilt or doubt hold you back. Talk to God like a trusted friend. Spill what’s heavy. Trust His forgiveness. Live boldly, knowing death’s been defeated. Share this hope with someone hurting—tell them Jesus broke every barrier for them. Step into His presence daily. He’s waiting.

May the Lord flood your heart with awe at the Light that went dark for you. May He give you courage to draw near, and let His love blaze through you into a world desperate for Him. Amen.