Darkness is not a Friend

S - John 12:35-36a, 44-46 (TLJ): "The Jesus said, "The light will be with you for only a short time more. So walk while you have the light. Then the darkness will not catch you.  People who walk in the darkness don't know where they are going.  So put your trust in the light while you still have it. Then you will be children of light." … Then Jesus said loudly, "Everyone who believes in me is really believing in the one who sent me. Everyone who sees me is really seeing the one who sent me. I came into this world as a light. I came so that everyone who believes in me will not stay in darkness."

O - Darkness is not something we can "get out" or "move" on its own.  The only remedy for darkness is to bring light in, not to think we can "get darkness out."  The emphasis must be on the light and bringing it in rather than on the darkness to get it out.  This point of focus or emphasis is huge and polarizes people.  Those focused on getting darkness out are always judging, condemning and demanding.  Those focused on bringing the light in are always hopeful, life giving and able to find their way forward through any darkness or difficulty. Culture and religion focus on darkness; the kingdom and those who are following Jesus focus on the light. Light is a person and he came so that everyone who believes will not stay in darkness.

A - The focus or emphasis for my life, for this day and for every day is to be all about bringing light in rather than getting darkness out.  This is the point for me and for everyone.  Today the forever light and life of the world (Jesus) is completely available and willing to come into my entire existence (good and bad, healthy and sick, living and dying, strong and pathetic, light and dark)  … so that believing, seeing, walking, trusting all will find their fulfillment in him on earth just like they do in heaven. 

P - Lord who is light,

Thank you for this day and for the privileged place I have of direct connection with you and all that you are doing on planet earth.  I praise you for wanting in to all of our/my darkness and for calling everyone to welcome light regardless of standing, circumstance or history.  Lord, I praise you for living hope, irrepressible life, relentless love and a future overflowing with defiant mercy and powerful grace.  I love you back … I praise your greatness and the greatness of your name.

You are the Living God,

Steve