Bible Reading: John 1:1-18
“In him was life, and the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5)
Jesus is the one and only source of light and truth in this world of sin and darkness. Darkness is all around us and in us, and no matter where we turn, we are walking dead men who stumble and scavenge our ways in blindness with no success. This is in a metaphorical sense. In a more literal sense, we seek to fulfil our soul and find our identity in all the things of this world. Yet, we are never successful because all the sinful things of this world and ourselves can do nothing but leave us void of true identity and true satisfaction.
Only Jesus is the true light. He came from heaven to earth to radiate the truth and grace, and humans need. All other religions, all our worldly paths promising satisfaction, originate from the thoughts and minds of sinful people living in darkness. Blind people do not know how to lead blind people. So, sinful people cannot bring other sinful people to the truth. All we can do is circulate in the lies of our sin.
But, Jesus is different. He came from heaven being 100% God and 100% man. He knew no sin and came from glory where there is only light and truth, and He came to earth, a place of darkness. He offers all those who believe in Him a new hope and a new life in the light by dying on the cross. Are you feeling unsatisfied? Do your sins burden you? Do the world, and all its entertainment fail to fulfil? Turn to Jesus.
In these times of lockdown, we search for things to satisfy our longing souls. We can’t connect with friends in real life or go about our regular life, so these times are a struggle for us. We don’t know where to find joy when we are trapped in our four walls. Maybe we have tried dowsing ourselves in the worlds of social media and entertainment. Maybe we have tried texting or calling our friends for hours on end. Perhaps we have even indulged in our lusts and desires and hoped pornography would incite joy in our hearts.
A world of sin is but darkness. There is no light in it. There is no truth. It is all lies that will never satisfy us. These words might be cliche. However, in practice, they are very, very hard. No one desires to turn to Jesus. John notes how the light came, and yet all of God’s chosen people rejected Him. We are the same. Every time we decide to follow our desires for worldly things rather than God, we say no to God and yes to sin. We reject the fact that God satisfies us. At the moment, we lie to ourselves and think that God will not satisfy us. Oh, how we must know the deceit and the darkness of our own hearts.
In all circumstances, we must plead for a heart that turns to Christ’s light. Christ came not only as a light that is unreachable for us. He came full of grace and truth, which overflows. From His fullness, there is grace upon grace for those who believe. Therefore, beg for His mercy and His grace to come upon us. No one can see God nor comprehend His all-satisfying glory unless He makes Himself known. No one can see the light unless God Himself opens our blind eyes. Lord, have mercy on us!
Lord, we ask for Your mercy. Please open our eyes to see You. Give us hearts and minds that long for You and long for the true light that You give. We live in a world of darkness. All the world offers is darkness, and our own hearts are darkness. We do not know the light. You are our only hope. Please help us. Show us Your glory and keep us from turning to darkness. Teach us to turn to You, the one and only true light. In Jesus’ name, amen.
