Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Wednesday, August 10, 2016
We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.
Today’s Scripture Focus: “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” (John 3:20–21).
Come to the light! Don’t be afraid; I am not about to get all mystical on you. Today, we are underscoring the fact that Jesus is the Light. In Him is no darkness at all. If you wish to be guided and transformed by Him, you need only do one thing—dwell in His presence.
Notice what our theme text says: If you continue to practice evil, you hate the light. That is an obvious reality. Ever noticed that many robbers dress in dark clothing? Have you ever noticed that people are often accosted in dark alleys? Have you ever noticed that a lot of the most seductive and sensual entertainments are under the cover of darkness and often occur at night? Do you realize that most violent crimes are committed at night? Why is that? Could it be that the darkness gives people a false sense of security and emboldens them to do any evil they can devise?
Hiding Under Cover Of Darkness
The text continues with Jesus giving us the ultimate rationale. He said that those who hide from the light are avoiding reproof. Now this is a powerful statement. Unfortunately, if you or I have the habit of avoiding the light, we can continue to deceive ourselves into believing we are OK. We can continue to practice all sorts of abominable things like lying, pride, murdering the innocent, running swiftly to do evil, and sowing discord among people.
Conversely, those who do what God says in the name of Jesus, and under the influence of the Holy Spirit, dwell in the light. As they do so, the godly origin of their works is made manifest.
None of us have the capability of doing what God says. We all need to submit every area of life to God so He can empower us to do so. Notice what the Bible says: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23–24).
Come Out, With Your Hands Up
The key to making the switch from dark living to light dwelling is surrendering to the searching eye of God. There, He’ll teach us our intentions. We must surrender that He might teach us when there are wicked or hurtful things in us. But we do not stop there; we also submit to His leading in the ways of everlasting life.
The Bible says: “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: Therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path. I have sworn, and I will perform it, That I will keep thy righteous judgments.” (Psalm 119:103–106).
If we accept God’s invitation to come to the light of His Word and presence, and surrender our wills to Him, our lives will be a manifestation that all we do is divinely prompted, done with God’s help, and that we are fully dependent upon Him.
