When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 NIV
Many years ago a situation came forward in a church where sin was uncovered. It became public and the sin was confessed before the people. Betrayal and unforgiveness kept many from hearing the confession as legitimate. For about three weeks the individual displayed brokenness and true repentance. Then the door closed. He left the church soon after this point.
During this time, I encouraged others that God lets His light shine to let people walk free from the darkness. Though it is painful, embarrassing and possibly shameful – You are walking in the right direction.
I would like to share some principle takeaways from God’s perspective about shining His light on the darkness of sin in our lives.
- No matter how dark we think we are and hidden before God – His light penetrates our darkness.
- If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalm 139:11-12
- It is God who calls light to come forth out of the darkness, so ask Him to bring light to your darkness and chaos.
- Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
- 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. Genesis 1: 2-4
- God’s light leads to hope and life, darkness lives in confusion and fear. So anywhere God brings forth light, options for good open up.
- When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
- The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
- Move toward God’s light for wisdom and direction.
- 105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105
- 35 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. 36 Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them. 37 Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. John 12:35-37
- I saw that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness. Ecc. 2:13
- God’s light and confession are in harmony together.
- But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:7-9
- God’s light shining on us is a good thing
- the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” Matthew 4:16
- But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
I know there are more Bible verses than usual. From the first verses of the Bible until its conclusion – light is a constant theme. In Genesis God spoke forth light and the book of Revelation reveals there will be no more sun, for the light and glory of God will be present.
One other note – When sin becomes public, God wants to clean the whole house. Very rarely will God expose one individual. He wants the whole body clean. Let God’s light perform its healing and cleansing in your own personal life and in the corporate body. James 5 records that confession brings healing to the body. Let me say it again – if knowledge of sin becomes public in your church – God wants to shine His light on ALL darkness. May a season of confession and repentance fall on the whole congregation.
Moving in agreement with God’s light is always good. Though it may be painful for a moment, trust that God is orchestrating a freedom in you that will last. You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. Psalm 18:28
Am I living in darkness? NO! I am living in God’s light and His light shines through me.
May God fill your life with His light. May joy, freedom and happiness abound in your heart and life.
Blessings Love y’all