Light Day 19: John 3:16-21

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Here is a function of God’s light that doesn’t sound so pleasant to our natural man: condemnation.

Yet it isn’t the fault of the light that men love the darkness.

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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.

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Day 4: John 12:30-36

Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.  ~ John 12:30-36

One truth is clear: we need Jesus for light. He is light; without Him, there is no light.

No wonder darkness quite literally descended upon the earth during daytime at His death! No wonder the very earth shook. No wonder the sun was darkened. No wonder the disciples were fearful and overwhelmed by grief. The very Light of the World had been put out.

Who could believe in the light while darkness overshadowed the earth?

But this wasn’t the end.

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The first recorded words out of the mouth of God were “Let there be light.” The first creative act of God was the creation of light. The first entity in existence on earth other than God Himself was light. Throughout Scripture, light continues to be a key theme.

This month I’m participating in a Bible reading and meditation challenge on The Light. I’d like to invite you to come along for the ride as we more intimately know Jesus Christ as our Light.

Why is His name, The Light, so significant? How do we abide in His light? How do we receive His light? How do we practically walk in The Light even during struggles and trials? And how do we reflect His light to others? Read more