I John 1:5 This is the message [of God’s promised revelation] which we have heard from Him and now announce to you, that God is Light [He is holy, His message is truthful, He is perfect in righteousness], and in Him there is no darkness at all [no sin, no wickedness, no imperfection].
The book of John begins with a description of Jesus as both the Word and the Light. John 1:1-5 (NLT) says, “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through Him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
The chapter goes on to say, “God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of His testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world,” (John 1:6-9).
Like John the Baptist, we are simply witnesses of what God has done in our lives — so we can tell others about the light of our salvation and our source of everlasting peace, hope, and joy. Jesus encouraged His followers in John 12:35-36 (NLT) saying, “Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.”
If Jesus is the light of the world and we are His followers, then we should reflect the same light Jesus does to a world overcome by darkness. That means we, as children of the light, should reflect His glory, righteousness, peace, power, truth, and love in everything we say and do. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father,” (Matthew 5:14-16, NLT).
“I have placed you as a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the end of the earth.” Acts 13:47
Reflections: According to the Bible, one of the first things humanity did was reject God’s truth and light. They chose self-lies and darkness instead. (You can read about it in (Genesis 3). But God is light, and the world is his, and he will not tolerate darkness destroying his creation. So thousands of years later, the Bible recorded these words: “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” (Isaiah 9:2)
Prayer: Lord, wake me up and fill me with your light so people trapped in darkness can be drawn to you and set free. Let me reflect your glory and your love. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
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