Today’s reading: Romans 16:17-27; 1 John 1:5

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

1 John 1:5

The word “light” is found no less than 263 times in the New International Version of the Bible. That’s a lot of light. I wonder how many millions or billions of sermons, Bible studies, devotions, and other spiritual conversations have happened throughout the centuries centering on light and darkness – a theme that simply permeates scripture.

And throughout all of the discussions, one thing remains the same. Light is good. Darkness is bad. It is not good to not be able to see, and it is a blessing to have light and to be able to walk around and live and enjoy the world.

1 John 1:5 simply says the message of the Gospel is simple and clear. “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” Jesus turns to bright white light on Transfiguration Sunday when his glory is revealed to Peter, James and John.  At times, the presence and work of God is a blinding, bright, but good light.

Perhaps the reason there is so much light from our God is to get our attention in this dark world.  He wants us to see clearly. He wants to show us the way back to himself when so much darkness, deceit, and despair surrounds us. 

May you be blinded by the light of Christ in the world today, so you can once again truly see.  The light is this: Jesus has come. Jesus has died. Yes, even though it is Lent, Jesus is still risen, and Jesus is coming again.  You will live forever with him. May this light shine upon your darkness today.

Prayer:

Lord of light, shine on our darkness and illuminate your church, that we may see you clearly and shine your light to the dark world around us.

Contributed by Rev. Jarod Koenig