“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)

Jesus has come to bring light into the lives of people who have only known the darkness which our sin brings. John describes Jesus’ entrance into the world by saying, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5)

In the covenant with David, God said there would forever be one of his descendants who would be on the throne. In the Psalms we are reminded of this covenant. “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant, ‘I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations.’” (Psalm 89:3-4) The Psalmist will also describe the character of the throne. “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, LORD. They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness.” (Psalm 89:14-16) Righteousness and justice are what is revealed when the light of God is shown into the lives of people which is expressed by their love and faithfulness.

Jesus would illustrate that He has come to bring light into the darkness by healing a man born blind. Jesus would say, “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:5)

John would remember what Jesus had said when he writes to the church. “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5-7) As followers of Jesus, we are to walk with Him in righteousness, love and faithfulness. When we do, we live in fellowship with each other, and we are able to show that we are forgiven and are being purified. This is why Jesus came, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Jesus would say about those who would follow Him, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16) In God’s transformation of those who come to Him by faith, God is showing what He can do in the life of anyone through His grace and mercy to those who are in darkness and sin. Then He can bring us together to shine His light to a world who needs forgiveness and hope. Now, through word and deed, we can bear testimony to Jesus Christ. “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:11-12)

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block