John 12:44-50
And Jesus cried out
and said, "He who believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent
me. And he who sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the
world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If any one hears
my sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to
judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects me and does not receive
my sayings has a judge; the word that I have spoken will be his judge on the
last day. For I have not spoken on my own authority; the Father who sent me has
himself given me commandment what to say and what to speak. And I know that his
commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has
bidden me."
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What kind of darkness
does Jesus warn us to avoid? It is the darkness of unbelief and rejection – not
only of the Son who came into the world to save it – but rejection of the
Father who offers us healing and reconciliation through his Son, Jesus Christ.
In Jesus’ last public discourse before his death and resurrection (according to
John’s Gospel), Jesus speaks of himself as the light of the world. In
the scriptures light is associated with God's truth and life. Psalm 27
exclaims, The Lord is my light and my salvation. Just as natural light
exposes the darkness and reveals what is hidden, so God's word enables those
with eyes of faith to perceive the hidden truths of God's kingdom. Our
universe could not exist without light – and no living thing could be sustained
without it. Just as natural light produces warmth and energy – enabling seed to
sprout and living things to grow – in like manner, God's light and truth
enables us to grow in the life he offers us. Jesus' words produce life – the
very life of God – within those who receive it with faith.
To see Jesus is to
see God. To hear his words is to hear the voice of God. He is the very light of
God that has power to overcome the darkness of sin, ignorance, and unbelief.
God's light and truth brings healing, pardon, and transformation. This light is
not only for the chosen people of Israel, but for the whole world as
well. Jesus warns that if we refuse his word or take it lightly, we
choose to remain in spiritual darkness. Jesus made it clear that he did not
come to condemn us, but rather to bring abundant life and freedom from the oppression
of sin, Satan, and a world opposed to God's way of life. We condemn ourselves
when we reject God's word of truth, life, and wisdom. It is one thing to live
in ignorance due to lack of knowledge and understanding, but another thing to
disdain the very source of truth who is Christ Jesus, the Word of God sent from
the Father. Jesus says that his word – which comes from the Father and produces
eternal life in us – will be our judge. Do you believe that God's word has
power to set you free from sin and ignorance and to transform your life in his
way of holiness?
God does not leave us
in spiritual darkness – in our ignorance and unbelief. He gives light, wisdom,
and grace to all who seek him and hunger for his word. Through the gift of the
Holy Spirit he helps us to grow daily in faith, knowledge, and understanding of
his word. Do you want to know more of God and his transforming love? Look to
Jesus, the Light of God, and in his truth you will find joy, freedom,
and wholeness of mind, body and soul.
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"Lord Jesus, in
your word I find life, truth, and freedom. May I never doubt your word or
forget your commandments. Increase my love for your word that I may embrace it
fully in my life."
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