THE LIGHT OF LIFE (4)

“...THE LIGHT has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” – John 3:19b

Eternal destinies are determined by responses to THE LIGHT of LIFE: "And this is the condemnation, that THE LIGHT has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates THE LIGHT and does not come to THE LIGHT, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to THE LIGHT that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God” (Jh.3: 19-21). Here, as in few other scriptures, the Lord Jesus uses the theme of Trial – the language of judgement, verdict, evidence, testimony, and witnesses, to illustrate divine truth. John declared this simple but devastating verdict: “THE LIGHT has come but people in the world have preferred darkness”!

John linked this theme of Judgement to the image of Light that he started the Gospel with. John 1:4-5 describes Jesus – the Word – The LIGHT that shines indomitably in the darkness. John 1:9 affirms that the light enlightens every person who comes into the world. Today’s meditation text reveals that, although the Light shines for all people, this shining produces different outcomes depending on how people respond. As the light shines in the darkness, it has a dividing function. The coming of the Light brings either judgement or justification. Although, as an expression of God’s incredible love, Christ was not sent to judge the world, but to bring salvation, those who do not believe in Jesus Christ are condemned in the eyes of God. Human preference for sin causes many to choose darkness over the Light.

People who flee from the Light, love darkness because their deeds are evil, and they cannot bear the exposure. This brings to mind one of Plato’s saying, that we can forgive a child for being afraid of the dark, but the real tragedy is when people are afraid of the light! The words of Jesus – the Light of Life – expose human sinfulness and rebellion. Preaching the gospel can provoke strong reactions as evil is exposed by the Light. It takes boldness in the face of such reactions, to resist the temptation to water down the message and make it less bright. 

In contrast, whoever practises the truth comes to the Light. Those who believe and live by the truth, always embrace the Light (vv.16,18). In essence, the Light has two possible reactions: fear and scurrying away like cockroaches, or attraction to the light – like moths. As we walk in the Light, “we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1Jh.1:7). In fear of judgement, evil reacts against exposure, and run from the Light! They dwell in moral darkness, extinguishing even the light of conscience.

Light reveals truth, and exposes what was hidden. Beloved, let's cultivate positive attitudes to the Light of Life!