Light in the darkness

John 1:4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

When you think of sin, what image does this conjure up? There were two images that come to mind. The first is darkness; sin is seen in the Bible as darkness. When Christ came into the world, John states that he is the light of life. Just yesterday when Pam and I were traveling, we stopped at a service plaza to fill up the car with gas when we saw a dog that had gotten loose from its owners and was running through the parking lot with owners in tow trying to catch it before the dog could be run over by cars coming and going. The dog thought that this was a game but in fact this was very dangerous for the dog. Sin is much like this when we encounter it in the world. Sin is deceitful and crafty and in our natural state we are unable to see sin for what it is. Many times we are like that dog that runs from its owner; God wants what is best for us and He sent His Son Jesus to the earth as Savior.

The reality of the Kingdom is that Jesus is the Lamb that takes the sin of the world so our trust is in God not in our own goodness. This brings to mind another image that I also saw yesterday. Pam and I stayed at some friend's house on the way out to Chicago who had three dogs and a kitten. When I went downstairs while holding the kitten I passed by a hanging string that was swinging, well you can guess that the cat was enamored by the string :) Needless to say I received much joy by watching the cat bat the string around while resting secure in my arms. Can you imagine the joy God receives when we turn in repentance from sin and rest in the arms of Christ as we joyessly live in light of the Savior's goodness. Can you hear the Father lovingly laugh in your ear as you rest in His grace and truth?
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.