Then Jesus cried out, “When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. “As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”
Pastor Shawn Robinson, Clayton Community Church
Were you ever scared of the dark as a kid? I know I was. I always thought there were monsters hidden in my room at night and would often call out to my parents in fear. The first thing they would do was turn on the light and say, “See there’s nothing to be afraid of.” (Isn’t that what everyone’s parents said?) Of course, there really was nothing to be afraid of when the light was on. The darkness was gone and everything could be seen.
But what happens if, as a grown-up, you can’t shake off the darkness? Imagine living in the darkness of adulthood. Life is even scarier now because the darkness seems to wrap itself around you like a cloud of despair. Where can light be found?
The world is dark because it is alienated from God, who is light. There are those who hear His words but do not keep them; and those who flatly reject Jesus by not receiving His teachings. Because Jesus has brought the light of God, everyone who believes in Him no longer remains in darkness. Imagine no more darkness, no more fear, and no more unknown. It’s almost too good to be true. Can you imagine never being afraid again?
That’s just the point—we don’t ever have to be afraid again. Yes, there will be fearful moments, but ultimately our future is secure and now known. The darkness is no match for the light of Christ.
Jesus shines brightly and casts out the darkness to all who dare to walk in His light. He conquers the darkness of death through his resurrection to prove to us that nothing can extinguish His light. He shows us we really don’t have to be afraid again.
Lord Jesus, Bring your light into my life and cast out the darkness. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
