John 1:4-5
Thoughts from Jesse Garnett
Dive Deeper
“In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.”
John 1:4-5
Behind the Scenes
When I was a little boy, my home was surrounded by woods. I remember walking outside on summer nights. The air was still warm and humid from the heat of the day and all kind of critters were making noises. I heard tree frogs, crickets, and an insect we called a jar fly that made a loud buzzing noise like a power saw. If you walked far enough you would eventually bump into a spider web. The longer I stayed in the woods, the more scared I got. I heard noises like rustling in the bushes. Was that the wind stirring the tree leaves?
The situation totally changed when Dad joined me with a flashlight. The light allowed us to see the things around us and his presence steeled my courage. I trusted that he would see any danger and protect me. I felt ten feet tall and invincible when Dad came with his flashlight.
This week’s theme is Jesus’ statement ‘I am the light of the world.’ Today’s verses are part of the introduction to the book of John which use this description of Jesus as light. This introduction explains that Jesus is the Word, the Son of God, and that all creation came through Him. John further explains that Jesus brings life to a spiritually dead world and compares Him to a shining light. The light of Jesus shows us the true way to fulfillment and joy. He makes it possible for us to enter a relationship with God and for us to live forever in His love and peace. His light illuminates the darkness of our world and our souls.
John also points out that the darkness has not understood it. Sadly, many shy away from the light of Jesus and prefer to live in the darkness they know rather than embrace the light of Jesus’ love. They believe that their idols (money, power, drugs, sex, material things, career, relationships) will fill the yearning of their soul and fail to understand that only a relationship with Jesus will truly satisfy. Or they feel unworthy. They think that they are beyond redemption and must stay in the dark.
Jesus shines His light for all. All we need to do is say yes to Him and turn towards the light. How do we do this?
Make it Real
If you have never said yes to Jesus, the good news is that you can say yes right now. Admit you need Him and turn to Him as Lord of your life. You will enter a deeply filling relationship with God that will shine light into your life. The Christian walk is not an easy one, but Jesus will walk beside you, and His light will help you overcome the darkness of your life.
If you are already a Christ follower, there may be areas of your life that you have tried to keep in the dark. God already knows everything about you. He sees you fully and loves you. The light of Jesus is for your eyes to help you see where you have strayed and the way back to the one true path.
Once you start walking in the light, make sure you connect with other believers. Collectively, we reflect the light Jesus shines into our lives out into the world of our families and communities. Just as Dad and his flashlight dispelled my childhood fears of the dark woods, the light of Jesus will push away the darkness we deal with in this world.
Johnny Spence
ACF Devo Team
End in Prayer
Father, help me embrace the light of your Son Jesus. Let it shine into the dark areas of my life and guide me on the true path. Lord, help me reflect this light to others around me. Thank you for all you have given me. Amen.