TO CHEW ON: "And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it." John 1:5
Where I live Christmas day comes only days after the winter solstice. It's no wonder that for us, lights play a big part in our celebrations—candlelight, tree lights, spotlights. How wonderful that the connection of Jesus' coming to earth and light is not only a human invention but came straight from the heart of God.
Darkness as both physical phenomenon and spiritual symbol appears often in the Bible.
1. God was its creator (Amos 4:13).
2. It dominated the earth immediately after creation (Genesis 1:2).
3. Thick supernatural darkness lasting three days was one of the plagues on Egypt (Exodus 10:22-23).
4. Untimely darkness marked Jesus' crucifixion (Matthew 27:45).
5. "Darkness" is how Paul describes our pre-conversion state (Ephesians 5:8).
6. Dark activities include claiming to be Jesus' followers but living lives that don't back it up (1 John 1:6), hating others ( 1John 2:9,11), and cursing parents (Proverbs 20:20).
7. Darkness is frequently connected with judgment.
- Those who reject Jesus are cast into it (Matthew 8:12).
- It is the fate of rogue angels (Jude 1:6).
- Apocalyptic final judgments often include darkness (Joel 3:15; Amos 8:9; Revelation 6:12).
8. But when we come to Christ, we escape its clutches (Colossians 1:13)!
The use of the word "comprehend" in "The darkness did not comprehend it," is interesting. A word study article in my Bible delves into how that word enriches the meaning of this passage:
["Comprehend (katalambano) has three shades of meaning:
1) To seize, lay hold of, overcome. As such vs. 5 could read, "The darkness does not gain control if it."
2) To perceive, attain, lay hold of with the mind; to apprehend with mental or moral effort. With this meaning the verse could be translated, "The darkness is unreceptive and does not understand it."
3) To quench, extinguish, snuff out the light by stifling it. "The darkness will never be able to eliminate it."
Light and darkness essentially are antagonistic. The Christian's joy is in knowing that light is not only greater than darkness but will also outlast the darkness." - "Word Wealth," New Spirit Filled Life Bible, p. 1443.]
John declares Jesus to be "the true Light" (John 1:9) that is incomprehensible to (controls, mystifies and quenches) darkness.
"The the Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we behold His glory..." (glory = splendour, radiance, majesty.)
We avoid darkness and live in light as we stay close to Jesus.
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, Thank You for coming to bring light. I want to live in Your light. As I expose my life to Your scrutiny help me to deal with any dark places. Amen.
MORE: "Here I Am to Worship" by Tim Hughes
