Father’s Day - Friday
John 1:5
The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. (NLT)
In John chapter 1, the book begins with the same words as Genesis 1: “In the beginning…” This is no mistake. We quickly learn that Jesus was there in the beginning when God created everything, meaning Jesus is equally God, as much as God the Father is. Jesus was the Word at the beginning and became flesh and dwelt among us. What John is trying to get us to see and understand is that from the beginning of time, God had a rescue plan for us.
Like a lifeguard atop their post, God’s kept a keen eye on His people and all that He created. He knows how wonderful life can be for those who call upon Him. He is the Good Father who deeply loves His son, Jesus. However, God knew that He must send Jesus out into a dark, dark world to bring light to it. God knew His ultimate rescue plan all along, but that doesn’t mean God wasn’t fraught with emotion.
I asked a friend of mine recently, “What do you think it was like for God to endure His son’s torture on the cross?” His response was interesting: “Once you’re a dad, you’ll understand.” I think we’re remiss if we don’t acknowledge the deep hurt that God would have felt watching the agony in His son’s eyes and listening to the pain in His deafening cries as He was whipped and beaten.
However, God knew that He needed to send Jesus out as a sheep among wolves because He knew how important the purpose was. God sends us out, too. We’re sent to share the Gospel so that more and more people get to experience the goodness of God like so many of us have. And God’s promise to us when we go out is what gives us hope—that the Light of the world (Jesus) cannot be overcome by the darkness.
Friday’s Reflection
Are you living in the hope that the Light shines in the darkness? Where are the places that God sends you to be a light-bearer? Ask God to give you opportunities to bring light to darkness.