Light versus Darkness
By Blesson Selvanesan
The Word: John 3:18-21
18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” (ESV)
Although people were searching for the Son of God to arrive as Messiah to save them, when He incarnated in the form of Jesus Christ, many refused to believe in Him. Numerous prophesies were written about Him centuries ago and they were fulfilled in Jesus, yet, they were in darkness. John wrote this gospel to introduce this Messiah to the world. People could not identify him. It’s not because of lack of evidence rather because they loved evil and loved to live in darkness. Eternal condemnation at judgement will come upon those who do not want to believe in Him. However, those who identified and believed in Him will live in light and will not be condemned.
Application
There are many barriers to believe in the Son of God. John addresses about a major barrier to believe and follow Christ in light is because of one’s own preference to choose evil than Good and darkness rather than light. For those who choose to live an evil life in the darkness, it’s scary to come to light as they will be exposed. It is convenient for wicked to stay in the darkness and hide their bad deeds. However, light reveals everything and there is nothing that can be hidden. A righteous and truthful life is an open life that reveals the beauty of the works of God for all to see. People willfully rebel and deny God not because there is no evidence, but because they do not to come out of their own dark life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Be our light. Help us to be the children of light and walk away from darkness. Increase our faith and help us to believe in the son of God. Let your light shine in our lives. Help us to be righteous and let your light shine through us and let darkness have no part in us. In Christ’s name Amen.