John 3:18-21 CSB
Anyone who believes in him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. [19] This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. [20] For everyone who does evil hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. [21] But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God."
Coming to the Light
As a child, like most children, nighttime brought a sense of danger that was not felt during the day. The monster hiding under the bed or in the closet seemed ready to grab my leg if I stepped out of bed. The only safety was pulling the sheet over my head.
As I got older, camping was fun at night with the warm campfire, but a quiet walk in the woods would have me tripping over a rock or running into things. The night was when the stars and moon were beautiful, but strange noises would start to be heard—the owl, the predators. No, it was safer by the fire with the light and warmth. Later, in the Navy, we would be in the middle of the ocean at night. There was a sense of peace in calm weather and the smell of salt, but I knew if something happened where I fell into that dark water, I would never be found. No one would know. I would be another sailor lost to time.
This world is that darkness. Without Jesus, we stumble in the dark, have no protection from the monsters of this world, and can be lost in its deep dark waters. Some people like the dark. It hides their deeds. They run from the light unless they be found out.
Those who choose to run into the light—the ones who believe in Jesus—show that they are not of the darkness. They hate the evil that people do; the evil that people try to hide from others and themselves. The light pricks the heart. It shows the imperfections that we try to hide from others. Stepping into the light shows us the path to take as we journey on the road that our loving Father has set before us.
Reflection Questions
- When you think of your own “dark ocean” moments in life, how did the Light of Jesus provide a sense of safety or direction?
- Why is it often easier to “pull the sheet over our heads” like a child rather than stepping out into the Light?
- Jesus says that those who live by the truth come to the light. Is there a “shadow” in your life today that you need to bring to the warmth of the Father’s fire?
Prayer
Father,
We thank You for sending the Light into a world that often feels like deep, dark water. Thank You for the safety and warmth we find in Your presence. We ask that You would prick our hearts when we try to hide in the shadows. Give us the courage to step fully into the Light, knowing that even when our imperfections are shown, we are held by Your grace. Guide our steps on the road You have set before us.
Amen.
