I Have Come as Light
Scripture Passage: John 12:44-50 (NASB)
44 And Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, does not believe in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45 He who sees Me sees the One who sent Me. 46 I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness. 47 If anyone hears My sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day. 49 For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. 50 I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.”
SUMMARY
Jesus tells the people to not only believe in him but in God the Father who sent him. He tells the Jews in the beginning of John 12:44, Jesus says “He who believes in Me, does not believe in Me but in Him who sent me.”
Jesus came into the world as the Light for people in darkness. Jesus also mentions that His main intention is to save the world instead of judging the world. Jesus says in John 12:47, “for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.”
Jesus also tells the people that God is in authority and that His words is from God His Father. He emphasizes to the people that He is obeying what God has commanded Him to do, which is to lead the people into eternal life.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
The verse that resonates with me is John 12:46: “I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.” Many years ago, I was lost and in deep darkness. I didn’t know who Jesus was and had a very worldly perspective of which everything had to revolve around me. I glorified myself for all my accomplishments and I felt like I was deserving of everything. I had a very hardened heart and didn’t want to give up my worldly lifestyle. I used to think Bible study was boring and a waste of time when I could’ve been productively doing something else. I was always late to church and was going to church for the wrong reasons. I had a tight grip on money (sometimes I still do) and used my resources only for my own benefit. Because of God’s patience, I finally became a believer. I truly believe that God knew my heart and what it took to soften my heart. He used the people around me to shine God’s light onto me so that I could see. It took my mentor, Danny, around 7 years to guide me into the light as I was lost deep inside a dark cave.
I am not saying I am completely out of darkness and there are times when darkness overcomes. For example, a couple of nights ago I was randomly going through Linkedin and as I was browsing through all my friends’ profiles, I found myself comparing myself to them. I was in darkness thinking that my identity was from my occupation or accomplishments but in fact, my identity is in Christ. We are made to reflect the image of Christ and we are called to further God’s kingdom, not my own kingdom. Also regarding my accomplishments, who am I trying to please? Who am I trying to impress? I have to remind myself that I am trying to please God, not man. It reminded me of Galations 1:10: “For am I seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ”.
APPLICATION
What I learned about myself is that I am still in the darkness of social media, news, movies, and tv shows. One night, I was just watching random Youtube videos of Key and Peele and stayed up until 1-2 am. I spent hours watching Key and Peele and spent only 15 minutes doing QT. I am also doing QT at night before bed. It just shows that I am not prioritizing my time with God when I could make time for God in the morning while my mind is fresh. Mark 1:35 “In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.” Jesus models to us that we should spend time with God early in the morning.
I need to create a habit of waking up a little earlier to spend time with God and pray. Starting today, I will start spending time with God first thing in the morning.
PRAYER
Thank You, God, for always shining Your light on me. Even though I don’t really understand why we are all going through this pandemic, we have to trust in You that Your plan is good. Romans 8:28 states, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Help me to use my time wisely to honor You and to spend time with You more. Continue to lead me out of darkness, from the evils of this world.
I pray that You would use me to shine Your light on my girlfriend, Hanna, as she is going through a difficult trial right now. Use me to encourage her and to remind her that we need to trust in You and that Your plan is for good only. I pray that You use me to support her in any way possible and please protect her from darkness. Please help me become a good spiritual leader to her and to guide her closer to You, Lord. Thank You always for being a Good Shepherd to us all and constantly leading us into Your light.
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