Shine On!

Shine On!

The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it]. JOHN 1:5 AMP

There is a statement of fact and truth laid out in today's extract, and it is that "The Light shines on in the darkness". First of all, it is clear that the Light here is indicated as a noun, not an idea or concept. This is about a person spoken about by John the apostle, and is no other person than Jesus himself. Secondly, the ability of light to shine on has nothing to do with its context or environment; light shines because it is its intrinsic nature to give light. Its ability to be visible and impactful is in itself; it needs nothing else to make it act true to its nature. It really does not matter how thick or deep the darkness is; light will make the difference.

It is also noteworthy that light is much more appreciated because of the context in which it is seen: thick darkness all around. The world is in darkness, so also is anyone who does not have light in him/herself. If you have never experienced Light, how would you know anything other than darkness? If a man has seen Light, there will be no doubt as to the value of the Light he has seen. It is important for me to ask myself: have I met the Light? Do I know the Light? Am I walking in the Light? At one point in time in our lives, we must all answer this question, and the answer will reverberate through eternity.

Darkness has power; do not doubt it. There is an allusion to that power in today's extract. Check out the world we live in today and see how much sadness, bitterness and hatred go around. Men kill other men because of possessions, power and position, whilst other men hold grudges against other men for very ephemeral themes like connections and wealth. Yet, there is an assurance in today's extract that no matter how powerful darkness is, it is no match for Light. Till Jesus returns, darkness will never be able to understand the power of Light, or control or appropriate or absorb it. The two of them speak to different foundations, different earthly realities and different eternal destinations.

This is why I need to determine with full certainty where my loyalties lie, and who is in full control of my heart and life. There can be no mix between light and darkness and when all of life is over, each one will speak to the contents of my heart and life. At that point, deceit and deception are over, and the just reward for all I have done will be given to me. If Jesus were to return now, what would the verdict be? Will Light speak on your behalf? Remember, it is not about what I think but about whether the Light is truly in charge. His time of favour is here.