Jump Start # 890

John 3:20 “For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.”

Our verse today is a quote from the Lord. It is part of the context where we find the passage, “For God so loved the world…”, one of the most famous verses in the N.T. Jesus says, “Everyone who does evil hates the Light.” The expression, “the Light,” can mean truth, especially God’s truth. But more specifically, it probably means Jesus. He is the light of the world. Evil and Light are opposites. Those who follow Jesus are of the light. Jesus told His disciples, “You are the light of the world.”

It’s hard for those of the light to understand those of the dark. What they do doesn’t make sense. It’s hard to understand why they reject Jesus and His word. It’s hard to understand why they want to remain miserable. It’s hard to understand why they want to remain lost. No interests in the Gospel, no interests in Heaven, no interests in seeking good.

Our passage identifies at least one reason why darkness hates light. Jesus said, “for fear that his deeds will be exposed.” He will told that he is wrong. He will be told that he needs to stop doing wrong. He will be compelled to change. It’s easier to hate the messenger than it is to conform to the message. Find fault with Jesus, rather than self. Point fingers at others, rather than self. Condemn the right rather than change the wrong.

And so, those of the darkness do that. Christians are not perfect, but Jesus is. Those of the darkness like to find fault with Christians who fail. The weaknesses of Christians are used to proclaim that Christianity is a sham. Darkness hates light. Darkness wishes light would go away. Darkness is reminded of what they ought to do because of the light. Darkness feels guilty because of the light.

Some day, darkness and light will not be together. The separation will be forever. Darkness will be surrounded by more darkness and light will be with only light. That takes place in eternity. When that happens, darkness will no longer see any good examples. Darkness will not see those who have changed. Darkness will only see darkness. At that time, light will only see light. Light will not be harassed, persecuted nor made fun of any longer. Light will be triumphant.

For now, darkness and light dwell together, often in the same neighborhood, workplace, even in the same house. Darkness and light together. They see each other. Some times the encounters and relationships are civil and decent. Other times, there is hostility, ridicule and tension. Light must continue on. Light must set forth the example.

Light and darkness has always been a struggle. The light wants darkness to become light. Darkness wants light to go away and leave them alone. Attitudes, tact, kindness and thoughtfulness has a lot to do with how well light and darkness get along with each other. Darkness does not understand light. Darkness does not like light. On the other hand, light sees the need for darkness to change. Light sees the failures of darkness. Light was once darkness but changed. Light believes there is hope for darkness. Light wants darkness to come to Jesus and be light.

In some homes, this difference and struggle can be between teenagers and parents. Teenagers want to be darkness and parents are trying to keep them in the light. That struggle is highlighted at concerts, ballgames and big events. It is there that you find a large contrast between darkness and light. The language and immodesty becomes very apparent that light and dark are far apart. It shames the light. The dark flaunts their sinfulness. The contrast is huge.

There are subtle and sometimes very overt attempts by darkness to drive out light. Words are said. Books are written. Websites and blogs are filled with stories, accusations, and charges. The light takes a beating. The light is cursed and attacked. The light is mocked. The light presses on. It doesn’t get in the mud with darkness. It doesn’t stoop to vain and childish attacks like the darkness may use. The light looks to Jesus. The light knows the truth. The light will not waver.

This is a battle that has gone on since the days of Jesus. It continues on. We are part of that battle. We are either of the light or of the darkness. Those of the light must follow Jesus. The way He responded…the way He answered questions…the way He conducted Himself is our example. It’s tough in many college dorms today. It’s tough on the assembly line today. It’s tough in the military today. It’s tough sitting in the stand at a ballgame. Light and darkness.

Let your light shine…that’s what we must do. The light shines the brightest in a dark room and in a dark world.

Roger