ODJ: Light of God’s Love

January 21, 2018 

READ: John 1:1-5 

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it (v.5).

Hieronymus Bosch’s painting Ascent of the Blessed depicts souls being escorted from a place of darkness through a tunnel leading to dazzling light. At the end of the tunnel awaits a radiant being. The painting portrays a phenomenon often described by those who have had a near-death experience—a “tunnel of light” leading to what seems to be heaven.

While we don’t know if a ‘tunnel’ leads to heaven’s light, we do know that Jesus brings light to the darkness. At creation’s dawn, “the earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. . . . Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. . . . Then he separated the light from the darkness” (Genesis 1:2-4).

Jesus was the voice behind creation: “He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word [Jesus] gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it” (John 1:2-5).

When God’s creation lost its way in the maze of sin, Jesus stepped in, so that “the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death cast its shadow, a light has shined” (Matthew 4:16). As the prophet Isaiah wrote, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. . . . And he [is] called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Jesus is still the Light of the World, illuminating the darkness. What dark challenges threaten to overwhelm you today? Call on Jesus and rejoice as His resurrection power draws you into the light of His love.

—Remi Oyedele

365-day plan: Genesis 37:1-36

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Read John 8:12 and meditate on Jesus’ identity. 
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Are you aware of a situation that needs the light of Jesus? How can you apply what Scripture reveals to see His light in the darkness?