Light Day 5: John 12:44-50

Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak. ~ John 12:44-50

If your life or daily walk is characterized by darkness – confusion, indecision, negativity, fear, hatred, selfishness, pride, apathy, depression, and so forth – it’s by your own choice.

“What?” you might say. “I certainly don’t choose to live in in darkness. I’m trying my best to avoid these things, but sometimes life happens.”

That’s what Jesus said.

“I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.”

Because He came and because He is a light, we have absolutely no reason to keep living in darkness!

Think of God’s people during the plagues of Egypt. When darkness covered the land of Egypt, the presence of God allowed light to remain in the Israelites’ dwellings. What would you think if some of God’s people had chosen to spend the time in the palace or in other dark parts of Egypt? How silly it would be to insist on staying in the thick darkness “which could be felt” rather than in the light-filled tents of home where the presence and blessing of God was?

And yet how often do we do the same thing in our lives, insisting on remaining in our own misery and self-interest when the light and presence of God is right here for us to receive and remain in?

Choose instead to reach out and grasp and believe and receive His word, which is life, light, and peace. No matter what your circumstances are, let Him speak His truth into your specific life situation and wholeheartedly embrace that truth. Remain in Him and allow His light to overwhelm each inch of your being.

Comment below: how is abiding in the Word going for you this week?