Stepping out of the Shadows

John 3:19 (NIV) This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 

If you've ever spent a period of time a dark place, where no light enters, you understand when I say the bright light caused me to shade my eyes. The first encounter when leaving total darkness and entering a bright room, can be blinding. It takes time to focus and once in a while we might prefer to be back in the place of darkness.

John 3:20 (NIV) Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 

A thief works under cover of darkness, knowing the light exposes criminal activity. This same person doesn't brag about the misdeeds committed for fear of being discovered. The consequences would be life altering for them.

John 3:21 (NIV) 
But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." 
Sometimes that best thing that can happen to someone living in the shadows is to be found out. When the thief enters a room and a light turns on, they are caught. The light exposed the wrong-doing. The next things to happen are captivity, confession and conviction.

When Jesus enters a life, light reveals everything. There are no secrets any longer. The person who embraces this light will be changed forever, turning from darkness and reveling in the warmth of the Light. I've been there, have you?

John 3:13-21

John 3:13-21

Walk in the Light - 1 John 2:1-14

"I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining." (1 John 2:7-8)

A few months ago I brought my rings in to a jeweler to have them repaired.  These were my wedding rings, so I had been wearing them daily for over 40 years.  When I picked them up I was astounded at their appearance.  I always loved them and thought they look good, but the rings I placed on my finger that day were dazzling. 

The jeweler had cleaned and polished them, removing the dingy, scratched surface to reveal shining golden bands that glistened in the sunlight. I can easily parallel this with how I feel now that the brilliant light of Jesus has invaded my life.  There was so much dirt and debris cluttering my life that it was difficult to see past the darkness.  Once Jesus became a focus for me, my surroundings became brighter, my outlook took on a new glow; and I no longer stumbled around in the dark.

Just as buffing my rings gave them new life, polishing my relationship with Jesus has given me new life and walking in step with Jesus keeps me out of darkness.     

Read the 1 John 2:1-14 text for today here.