Even as Israel was delivered from the power of Pharaoh, we have been delivered from the power of darkness. Darkness can be a symbol of a lack of understanding or an absence of truth. However, notice how the power of darkness is contrasted with Christ’s kingdom. It suggests that darkness here is not simply a state of being, but it is a populated realm that is in competition with Christ’s kingdom. This is further supported by the mention in verse 16 of thrones and dominions and principalities and powers, including invisible ones.
In other words, we have been delivered from the satanic or demonic realm. I John 5:19 tells us that the whole world lies under the wicked one, or under his sway. But we have been delivered from Satan and the wretchedness of his realm.
Galatians 1:4 says that Jesus Christ “gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age.” We have a new King, and a new lease on life. God purchased us, and took away Satan’s dominion over us, so now we can be slaves of righteousness instead.
This feast, then, reminds us of the difference God has made between us and those who are still under their spiritual Pharaoh, and still enslaved to sin and death. Our deliverance is an indescribable and rare blessing, and it opens avenues that this world can only dream of. But as with Israel, it is only because of what God did that we have this freedom.
In Colossians 1, where we find the preeminence of Christ described, we will read verses 9 through 13.
Just like cultural Christians who do not live by Christ's example, the Jews during Christ's time mistakenly supposed that they were a light to those who were in darkness while being in darkness themselves.
