Turn to the Light

It's not uncommon these days that I walk into a room, none of the lights are on, and I find my kids sitting there reading or doing their schoolwork (if we're lucky) in the dark. When I turn on the lights, they complain that it's too bright. The same thing happens when I try to use their iPads. The brightness is turned down so low that I can't even make out what's on the screen. How do they expect me to watch Netflix in these conditions?? I don't know if it's a sign of age but over time I've come to appreciate better lighting and brightness in our house than I did before. While my kids don't seem to need it, I need it to see, to read, to function, to look at my baseball cards, etc. especially as I grow older.

Light and illumination is a good thing . . . even for young people. It's good to be able to see what's going on, what you're doing, and where you're headed. Isn't it? This refers not only to one's physical state but one's spiritual condition as well. Although John 3:19 says that in his sinfulness man loved darkness instead of light, I don't think most people want to remain in darkness and be without hope and direction all their lives. All of us have suffered from spiritual blindness at one time or another. Perhaps you still do. When you add to that the uncertainty in our world today, this can be a dark and confusing time. Even for God's people, we can experience spiritual or emotional darkness due to sin in our lives or loss and despair.

In the Bible, John speaks of “the light.” In John 1:4, he says that Jesus, who was from the very beginning, “was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” Jesus confirms this when he says in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.“ Jesus is the light of the world. He illuminates and brings meaning and understanding to life and to our existence. As we draw near to Him, His light floods our lives and fights back the darkness in and around us. Darkness is a powerful state of being but Jesus overcomes that darkness. The light that Jesus brings is the light of life. He offers you and me life through His death on the cross, and His resurrection and glorification. Jesus says in John 12:46, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.“    

If you find yourself in a state of darkness, turn to the light. Turn to Christ. Believe in Him, follow Him, and allow Him to renew your life. John 1:5 says “the light (Christ) shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.“ You and I were made for the light of Christ. Scripture goes on to say, “Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God“ (John 1:12).  

Take care and God bless,

Pastor Darren