John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

This is a very interesting verse for a number of reasons. The first is semantic. I’m no Greek scholar, but there seems to be equal weight to translating this “has not understood it,” (NIV) and “has not overcome it.” (Japanese and various English) That brings to mind something that often comes up in political news reporting in Japan. When Japanese politicians speak of people “understanding” their position, they really mean “agree with” their position. It’s kind of like, “If you don’t agree with me then you really don’t understand me.” I’m sure that way of thinking has torpedoed countless international negotiations of all sorts. This verse is related to the saying that “Understanding the problem is half the solution.” Actually, we can find illustrations of this verse all around us. People who take anti-Biblical positions on various issues often cannot seem to understand just what the Biblical position really is, much less why it is valid. They fight against it, often vehemently, but they don’t really understand what they’re fighting against, and they misrepresent it in countless ways. This verse should encourage us that they aren’t going to win! This verse can also be understood from the standpoint of physics. Darkness is not a positive, but simply the absence of light. It is impossible for darkness to overcome light in physics, because light simply is, whether it is expressed in wave or particle form. That’s why Genesis 1:3 is so important: God started with light. He didn’t subtract anything; He was positive all the way. That’s why John could proclaim so confidently, “God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5)

I could easily preach a series of messages on this theme, and will probably do so again. I know I’ve used light as a theme for the daily Bible reading lists I’ve prepared for many years for this church. The point, however, isn’t to build up intellectual knowledge about light, but rather to allow God’s light to shine onto, into, and through me. I don’t want any dark areas in me! Jesus dealt with this issue definitively in John 3:19-21. Many people love John 3:16 but overlook the verses following. I know from my own experience, as well as from dealing with others in 40 years of ministry, that everyone has moments of trying to duck out of the light. That never benefits! I’ve got to have the courage to walk fully in the light myself so that I may guide and encourage others to do the same. It is only when we abide in the light that we fulfill God’s plans for us, our very reason for existence. I need to seek the anointing of the Holy Spirit to help the believers grasp that vital truth.

Father, this is an important theme for this coming year. You’ve given me a verse for the year that isn’t about light directly, but nothing in the Bible can be separated from Your light. Help me express the light of Your truth consistently, not coloring it with my own imagination but faithfully transmitting it in love, for the blessing of many and for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!