The Light: Darkness Has Not Overcome It
John 1:4-5 “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Darkness has no power over light. Think about that. If both are present, the light always wins. If the light recedes and disappears, the darkness will dominate. But as soon as the light arrives, the darkness is powerless. It cannot overcome the light. Light casts no shadow. Think about that.
When Jesus was born, the presence of God was manifest in the darkness of this sin-filled Earth. His light was evident and began to transform the lives of those around Him. Once they were impacted by His light, His life, His Presence, they were never the same. Though darkness was present, it could not overcome the Presence and light of Jesus. Though Satan tried, he could not defeat Jesus. The light was, and is, more powerful than the darkness.
We don’t often give thought to prepositions, but in John 1:4, that first word is significant. It represents Jesus. IN Him was life. Strong’s defines “in” as “a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively)”(1) Jesus was the origin of and the intermediary and the instrument through which men could have life and be reconciled with God. Isn’t that profound and beautiful?
The life that Jesus brought was the light of all mankind- the truth of God and the power to, understand it. When someone shows understanding, we use the idiom that a lightbulb came on for them, or the lights went on. That idiom is a way to describe that moment when someone shows a cognitive connection with the information or knowledge being shared. Jesus was the light of all mankind, bringing the ability to understand God’s plan of salvation to their darkened minds and spirits. Some embraced the light while others mocked it. Yet, it was there for everyone. Light=life, knowledge, understanding, wisdom. Darkness=death, darkened minds, foolishness.
The light of Jesus shines in the darkness and the darkness has not, and will not, overcome it. Despite the fact that this world continues to grow darker, God’s light remains and will continue to shine. His presence in our lives means we are representatives of His light for as long as He allows us to be here. At some point, Jesus will call us home, whether by reaching the end of our life or by rapture, when He catches us away to be with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).
Time is short, friends. Will we choose to live with conviction and be intentional in how we represent the Lord? Today, let’s pray that we, our sons and daughters and our brothers and sisters in Christ choose to shine God’s light with boldness and that we take hold of every opportunity to share His light and life with others while we have the time to do so.
“Jesus, when you came as a baby, this world had no idea how Your presence would shake the darkness and transform the relationship between God and man. You became Immanuel- God with us. Jesus, thank You for loving us so much that You chose to become one of us and so bring You light and life into this dark world. Thank you, not only for living, but for dying on our behalf. Your sacrifice made a way for us to be reconciled with You. Lord, I pray that you would help us to live with conviction and clarity, so that Your light in us is visible to those around us. Help us to live out Matthew 5:16 “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” I pray for (name) today that You would work in their heart and mind. Lord, bring them back to the very foundation of their relationship with You. Strip away anything that would distract them or keep them from following faithfully. Surround them with relationships that encourage them to walk in the light of Your life and truth. Lord, keep the darkness at bay. In Jesus name, amen.”
Today’s Christmas Season challenge: tonight, when you pass by a home with Christmas lights shining in the darkness, pray for that family to come to know the Light of the world, Jesus.
Pray without ceasing.
G1722 - en - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1722/kjv/tr/0-1/