by Pastor Mark Moreno
Jesus Shines in Our Darkness
In the first chapter of the Gospel of John, we read these powerful words,
“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. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
John 1:1-5 English Standard Version
Our image for consideration today is a beautiful shot of the sunset along with a light illuminating a luscious green yard. It is double the light in the darkness!
The primary art term for using strong contrasts between light and dark is chiaroscuro. I have always been drawn to paintings and photographs that have this dynamic contrast. It just tells such a story!
It is no surprise then that I would connect this to John chapter one, where the whole creation of the world in Genesis one is referenced. The entire book of John plays with contrasting any number of concepts, including flesh and spirit, God and man, and of course, light and dark.
Jesus is the life and light of men and He shines in the darkness and the darkness has not, and will not, overcome it. That is the heart of the message of scripture: That sin, death and the devil are defeated in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus!
This devotion isn’t only about art appreciation, or even the fact that scripture so powerfully depicts contrasts. This devotion is about the fact that all of us go through the darkness: We struggle with our own sin and shame, we have our own moments of doubt and hurt, we endure pain and loneliness. Those are true challenges in our life and the lives of our loved ones!
However, God has something to say about that! This same passage describes the “Word of God” and He is Jesus, the same one that is the light and life of men. No matter how tough life is or how dark a moment may be, the light of Jesus shines. My prayer is that truth would bring you comfort in the hardest of times. I hope that there are people in your life that will point you to God’s promises and encourage you to take refuge in His strength and guidance. May God be with you now and always!
Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
