Verse of the Day - John 12:46

I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.
~ John 12:46 (NLT)

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When someone is clueless about something, they're said to be "in the dark". When someone gets an idea, "a light bulb goes off in their head", because knowledge and understanding help people see things clearly.

Jesus says He's that light bulb. He's that streetlight. He's the sunrise that reveals color and clarity. So, what is it that He reveals to us that we're clueless about? How are we "in the dark"?

* Our own sinfulness. Although most wouldn't say they're perfect, alot of people think that their sinfulness is really on a graded scale. If I do more good than bad in my life, then I'm not sinful. I'm better than most...I don't murder, or steal, or sleep around. I'm not a sinner.

That is darkness, my friend. We need to get a clue here and understand that any sin makes us sinful. Anything that violates God's law gives us a spiritual criminal record. Jesus simply turns on the light and says You are a sinner. Your heart and mind convict you.

* Who Jesus is. We just can't grasp the idea that God could come to earth in human form. It just doesn't compute. So, because it's beyond the world's understanding, people say it just isn't true. A kind man, a good teacher...but not God.

Gee, it's dark in here! Jesus said He was one--equal--with the Almighty Father, sent from heaven. Fully God, fully man. He did miracles to prove it, restoring people's health, calming storms, and raising the dead. But in case people didn't get the light bulb with all of that, He demonstrated His divine nature by defeating that which terrifies the world, that which no one can conquer...death. He is God, as plain as day.

* Our way to heaven. In the Old Testament, the people made a tower to get to heaven, trying to reach the 4th dimension with a three-dimensional structure. More often, people work hard to be good, because goodness should count for something. It should garner points on that heavenly tally board, right? Or, they follow men, new and old, who seem wise and seem to make sense...Buddha, Mohammed, John Smith, even Dr. Phil. If we just do what they say, we should get to heaven, right? With such wise words, how could we go wrong?

Are we having a blackout, here? Jesus, at this point, flips on the bright stadium lights and says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through Me." Plain and simple.

See the difference between the dark, and the light?

The point is that we are in the dark, with our earthly understanding. We don't see things as they really are. We need God's light to shine on our world and our lives to reveal the truth...about everything! When we rely on our own thoughts and ideas, we leave ourselves open to many deceptions and lies. It's like walking through a mind field at midnight...not a good idea, if you want to live.

With all your heart
you must trust the LORD
and not your own judgment.
Always let him lead you,
and he will clear the road
for you to follow. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6 (CEV)

You may not think you're in the dark at all. But the bottom line is if you're not listening to God and following His ways, you're in pitch blackness. What you think and how you live are inaccurate and dark. Jesus came to turn on the light and show us the truth of the matter. The question is: Will we keep our eyes closed tight, refusing to look at the Light? Or will we throw up the white flag in surrender to Him, and open our eyes to the brightness of His truth?

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. ~ Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

I pray we can daily turn to the Light of the world and experience joy and freedom as His spirit leads us from darkness into light.

Love,
Joelene