Our scripture this morning is John 1:1-5.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God. The Word was with God in the beginning. All things were created by him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. And the light shines on in the darkness, but the darkness has not mastered it.
It seems to me we have read this passage recently here, but looking at the same lesson in different ways can give us new insight. In the beginning God gave us life. Through Jesus Christ, the Word, we are given new life and the New Covenant. Now we know the light and can understand the darkness we were in.
The New English Translation (NET) I’m using this summer says “the light shines on in the darkness, but the darkness has not mastered it”. Jesus came into a world marred by sin and uncaring to show us how God intends us to live. He was tempted as we are, perhaps more so, but He didn’t give in to sin (Matthew 4). Instead He was faithful, even unto death.
Later in John’s Gospel we hear that “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him might be saved” (John 3:16). God was willing to give up a part of Himself to lead us from the darkness of sin and death into the light of eternal life. What are we willing to do for the one who saved us?
Loving Lord, we are grateful for the gift of salvation and our Savior who shows us the way. Bless us to go in Your name to make disciples of all nations. Amen.
