A Light in the Darkness

 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5 ESV).

 

The book of John uses the image of light to help explain who Jesus is. Perhaps one of the most striking images of “light in the darkness” comes from the many times when a lighthouse pierces the darkness with its beam. I’m not sure what that sight would be like when the storms are threatening and navigational beacons are essential to guarantee safely landing in a port of call, however, I can imagine it is something like turning in the driveway after driving a long distance. There have been many times after a long day’s work when I’ve gotten to our driveway and see the outdoor lights on and thought, “Whew! I’m home!” They were such a relief for me.

 

Jesus Christ, the Word of God, created the world with God in the beginning. He also came into the world to save it, because it was broken by the curse of sin and death. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God in Eden, they brought this curse on all of God’s creation (cf. Genesis 3). The world that God once called “good” has been afflicted with conflict, isolation, sickness, and grief ever since. And sin has estranged us from the God who created us. Even worse, no matter how hard we try, we cannot make things right. Our sin continually forms a barrier between us and our Creator. The darkness has taken so much from humanity.

 

Maybe you are reading these devotions because you are feeling sin’s effects in your life. Perhaps something has happened that has left you feeling lost or confused. Maybe you feel as if you are groping in the dark, looking for a light to guide your way. The Bible promises that the darkness you face—whatever it might be—will never overcome the light of Christ. Like a lighthouse on a rocky shore, Jesus offers us hope and a clear path to God.

 

There is no sin or enemy of God that is big enough to snuff out the light of Christ. He will always be victorious, and when we place our faith in him, he invites us to share in his victory. He is the light that is guiding us home!