Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.” -John 3:19-21 NRSV
I love the way that Jesus speaks about judgment in these few verses saying that it is like a light that shines in the darkness. The life, ministry and teachings of Christ shines a spotlight on all that is not of God. He shines a light on hate when he tells us to love and forgive those who hurt us. He shines on our self-centeredness when he tells us to deny ourselves and take up our cross. An eternal floodlight glows as he hangs on the cross and suffers in our place.
Yet many turn their backs on the light and choose to live in the shadows. These rationalize their bad behavior and reject the invitations of the Holy Spirit to repent of deeds done in darkness. These are judged not because of their darkness but because they refuse to simply turn towards the light. Yet some turn. Some repent. Some love light more than darkness.
Come Holy Spirit. Help us to believe. Help us to reject darkness and to walk in the Light.
... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.
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