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

Jump Start # 772

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.”

The words of our passage come from Jesus. They follow what is probably the most famous verse in the Bible, “For God so loved the world…” God loves but often man hates. God invites and often man shuns. God forgives and often man wants to remain in the sewer of sin.

The “Light” of our passage is Jesus. He is the light. Evil hates Jesus. Evil wishes Jesus never came. Evil wants to continue being evil. Evil is dumb. Evil doesn’t realize that it’s traveling rapidly down a dead end street and whether he likes Jesus or not, he will come face to face with Him. There is no future in evil. Evil will not win.

Jesus gives us one of the many reasons evil hates Him. Evil fears that his deeds will be exposed. Evil doesn’t want that. Evil wants to remain in the shadows. Evil thrives in the darkness and the secrets of life. Exposure means all know. Exposure means motives, methods and means will be uncovered. Exposure means guilt, shame, punishment and rejection. Evil fears Jesus. Jesus is truth and there is no darkness in Him.

Jesus never sinned. Jesus never did anything that was inappropriate. Jesus never apologized or had to return the next day and make things right. Jesus was right every time. Right actions. Right words. Right attitudes. Right motives. Jesus was pure and perfect, all the time. Evil doesn’t stand a chance next to that. Evil has no defense when in the presence of Jesus.

Instead of changing, evil flees. Instead of seeking forgiveness, evil hates Jesus. Instead of trying to make self better, evil tries to make Jesus worse. So the books, the TV shows, the blogs, the websites, the documents that attempt to expose Jesus as a fraud. Rumors of the Holy One having been married, or being homosexual, or having an anger issue, or taking advantage of the apostles are nothing more than hateful words of evil. They build ideas and theories about life that do not include God. Evil would rather believe in aliens than in the God of Heaven. They try to discredit the Word of God. They alleged errors and mistakes all the while missing the entirety of the message and the purpose of the Book. They twist passages to say things that God never said. They remake the Bible to support and defend their sinful and evil lives. Evil hates the Light.

It is hard for many of us to grasp that there are people who not only enjoy and thrive on evil, but they want evil. Given the choice between evil and righteous, they’ll take evil every time. There are those who will devote hours upon hours of trying to do wrong. If they had just spent that same time doing right, they wouldn’t have the problems they do. That won’t happen. They love evil. They want evil. If they could vote for evil, they would. They surround themselves with others who think like they do. They love music, movies and literature that promotes evil. The sacredness of life, the noble principles of God, the goodness of mankind are laughed at and mocked by those who are evil. They would love to see all Bible burned, all churches closed down and any reference to God removed from society. Evil has a digressive way about it. Once the barn door is opened, things tend to go from bad to worse. More corrupt. More evil. More godless. More sick. Farther and farther away from God. More callous in heart. More indifferent. More stubborn. More selfish. More lost

These are not happy thoughts. For some of us, family members come to our mind. For some, our co-workers fit this description. Our neighbors may fall into this category. They are not interested in your wonderful Jesus. They don’t want to be invited to church services. They don’t want you praying for them. They don’t want you to give them a verse. They hate Light.

What is sad is that righteous folks know what is coming. The Bible is true. The road and life of evil ends horribly.

Evil and righteous co-exist in this world. What are God’s people to do? Should we avoid evil? Should we ignore evil? What if evil is in our family?

First, we must guard ourselves lest we be influenced and become evil. Guard the hearts of the young. Foul language is not acceptable. Trash talking God, His people or His book should not be tolerated. If someone wants to go toe to toe in an intellectual discussion, go for it. But a one sided, throw mud in the face of God tirade should not be accepted. If evil persists, leave. Remove yourself from that environment until people can respect and be sensible.

Second, as God’s people we will continue to invite, pray and try to teach. Yes, evil hates, but evil doesn’t know. Kindness and tact are important, but hiding our faith is not an option. Our faith is who we are. I have known people who have nothing to do with God, calling when there is a crisis. Evil doesn’t have any hope or help at those moments. Evil wants help but doesn’t believe in God. When death comes near, even evil looks for God.

Rejoice in that God loves you. Rejoice in that you have found the Lord, or more so, He found you. Rejoice in that you have left evil yourself and can be named among the righteous. Don’t let evil wear you down. Don’t let evil get the best of you. Don’t do evil yourself in combating evil.  Love God and long for sweet, sweet Heaven.

Roger