I hated going to sleep as a child. Of all the reasons, the one I hated the most was being in the dark. It was so difficult for me when my parents turned the lights out because of the unknown. There was something frightening about not being able to see and know what was going on around me. On top of that, I was sure that there was something underneath my bed that was going to jump out and get me! The one comforting thing for me though was that my door had a wide enough crack that I could see the light from the hallway. That light let me know that the darkness was not permanent and that morning would be coming soon.
As you read the book of Genesis you see that “darkness was over the face of the deep”. God is the perfect communicator because the Bible does not say that it was completely dark, just that “darkness was over the face of the deep.” As I read this passage, I am reminded that there has never been a time where there has been complete darkness. God has always been and His glory radiates light all around. Revelation 21:23 states, “And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” Even at the beginning of the universe when all seemed formless and dark, God was over it all creating purpose and giving light. Why is it important to know this? Because as we read through the Bible, we see how the darkness of sin enters into creation and brings about destruction, devastation and ultimately death. And yet even in the darkest moments, God reveals that He has always been there as a light for all mankind, drawing them back to Him.
What is interesting is that as you read the book of John you see a similar introduction to that in Genesis. Just as Jesus was there in the beginning with the Father creating the world and giving light to mankind, He was also the “light shining in the darkness” of sin in the world when He became the “Word in flesh and dwelt among us.” In Genesis, our triune God gave man life and created him from the dust. In John, our triune God redeems mankind from sin and gives man new life and makes him a new creation.
Jesus was a willing sacrifice, and is a light in the darkness to anyone who turns from their sin and places faith in Him for their forgiveness. When we are living in the darkness of uncertainty, or hiding from others in the darkness and shame of our sin—LIGHT is still there! Fear is dispelled, Life is restored, and Hope is present when we go to the Light of the world! Run to the light who gives life…His name is Jesus!
VC Devotionals 