“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” John 1:9 ESV
Reflection: can humans exist without Christ?
Have you seen or read articles that some want to block the sun from shining so bright, and most likely governments are already doing this? There is a basic principle in nature that the vast majority of organic life forms whither and die when you remove light; specifically the sun. Said in another way, almost all organic life forms cannot exist without the light and energy from the sun. The opposite principle is also true that most organic life forms thrive in the light and energy from the sun. So, it is not difficult to understand that those who hate the light because their deeds are evil, also hate the sun and want to block its life giving power. In fact, some propose to build cities underground, away from the light of the sun.
To live in darkness.
We read the beautiful, mysterious creation account in Genesis, and also in John 1:1-18. Through these few verses in John, there is so much of our Lord Jesus Christ revealed. Yet much of it seems at times just beyond our reach, to fully comprehend. In the first part of our focus verses today, we see an example of this, as we read “The true light, which gives light to everyone,” John 1:9a ESV. Some translations say which gives light to every “man”, meaning every human being. Now, keep in mind there is a play here with words, of light and life, as they almost seem to be used interchangeably. We read from the beginning, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and
the life was the light of men.” John 1:1-4 ESV
He made all things that were made, which is another curious statement, right? Let’s save that for another time. If you remember from the Genesis account, “then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” Genesis 2:7 ESV. The breath of life, the light of men. Of all men; not just those that have received Him, not only to those who believe in His name. He is the life, the light of all men. Of everyone, whether you believe that or not. Whether you believe in Him or not. He is the life source of all men, of all people. But there is more here.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5 ESV. Again, this reminds us of the account from Genesis, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.”Genesis 1:1-3 ESV. We are reminded by John and in Genesis that light overcomes darkness. That light and life are intertwined. And something happens when we fully embrace, and receive the light and life of Christ Jesus, we receive new life. Everlasting life. Without Christ, without the light of life, there is no everlasting life, only darkness and then ultimately, death.
“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:9-13 ESV.
In Christ alone is our light, our life, our righteousness and sufficiency before God.