During the month so far, I’ve taken pleasure exploring the gospel of John. I have to say I cannot get enough of it.
I am tending to listen to it through the dramatized version of the NIV via Biblegateway. I listen to it whilst washing up, which is a great time to reflect on the episodes as they take place. The Word is so rich and engaging and listening to the dramatized version helps to bring to life the words.
On my way home this eening, as I walked, I reflected on the things I came across in John, and a pattern came across of Jesus pointing out things about Himself, as well as the writer pointing out things about the character of Jesus. Of course at the end John says that everything that has been written has been done with the purpose of readers believing Jesus is the Son of God. Yet the gospel also goes further in depicting key characteristics of the Son of God.
In John 1 I am still fascinated by Jesus being the Light.
I bear witness to the fact that without Him, I am left in the dark. Flailing around, without a clue what to do. Worse still, I carry on with some stuff in the dark on the understanding that no one can see me, so I can get away with it. You may not know what’s that about, because you’ve lived a good life all you life. I am aware, however, of the life that revels in deeds done in secret.
But thank God for the Light.
Thank God that Jesus is the Light that illuminates a better way to live. A way without secret and without shame. A way that illuminates the path to what is right and true.
I recognise that my life is so much the better for the Light. I see that so much of where I needed to be and the path my life needed to take required the Light.
The fact that the darkness can neer overwhelm that Light is so reassuring at a time where people and circumstances tempt me towards an alternative path.
I do not want to take the Light for granted. I know that it will be foolhardy to believe I can dictate my own path. I know that only in the Light can I have real fellowship and real intimacy with others by the real Love that comes from God.
I look to spend the rest of my life delighting in the Light.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 