Light shines in darkness

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (John 1:5 KJV)

 We have seen in our previous discourse that Jesus had in him what the Bible called Life. We have also been able to establish that man has a life that is very much different from that which is in Christ. In fact, the man's life was described as darkness. Whereas in Christ is the Life that is the light of all men. 

What is light? Science defines light as the visible electromagnetic radiation. It is a source of illumination. 

There are a few things in this world that have the power of luminosity. The sun and the stars are natural examples of God's creation with the power of luminosity. It is now common knowledge that the moon has no such power. Many objects that do not have this power may seem to be in the presence of the slightest flicker of light. Diamonds have no radiance in the absence of light. There is that inherent power needed for an object to be luminous or have the ability to shine. Natural fire will remain luminous as long as there is a source of fuel for burning. Fire consumes the stored energy in wood or any other substance that supports combustion. Natural fire has no power of luminosity. There is however the fire of God's presence which does not require fuel to burn but has that inherent power of luminosity. The example we see in Moses and the burning bush. 

…the bush burned with fire and the bush was not consumed… (Exodus 3:2)

 Man has been able to make objects that can be luminous when the recommended source of power is provided. For example the electricity bulb and neon lights. Man, however, has never been able to create that which has this inherent power of luminosity.  Jesus said- I am the Light of the world…

In Jesus is that ultimate power of luminosity. Never had such a man lived with so much tremendous inherent power like Jesus. He felt the surge of power leaving his body when people could draw from him for their needs.

All the people tried to touch him, for power was going out from him and healing them all. (Luke 6:19 GNB)

See also Luke 8:46 GNB.

 And the light shineth in darkness…

No one will notice or appreciate the floodlights on a football pitch at noonday. You do not use a torch in daylight. Though the torch shines, its effects cannot be appreciated. The shining of light is much noticed in darkness. The most significant characteristic of light is to shine. Shining is an effortless matter for light. Immediately light comes into darkness, it shines and darkness simply recedes. There is a sharp contrast between light and darkness which is the reason why light is said to shine in darkness.

Now this light is the Life of Jesus. Can we do a contrast of our lives against His and see the darkness in our own lives.

He declared,

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew 5:44 KJV)

While on the Cross, writhing in pain caused by the people he here prayed for,

...Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do...

(Luke 23:34 KJV)

Do you have that space in your heart to pray for those who despitefully use you, and persecute you, talk less of loving your enemies?

But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right-hand doeth: (Matthew 6:3 KJV)

Her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done. (Luke 8:56 KJV)

Would you rather receive honors for your good deeds and contributions to society or church than go unnoticed and unappreciated? How has your heart longed for recognition for your great efforts and support?

And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole. (Mark 6:56 KJV)

Jesus exudes so much power of the Life-light that darkness, such as sickness and demons, has to vacate its position. Peter and Paul grew in this Life, and His Life became their lives, which also shined in their own time.

Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. (Acts 5:15 KJV)

What about you? Have you received this power of luminosity: Have you made His Life your life. It is only His own Life that has this power. Paul declared:

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 KJV)

Does Christ now live in you? If must have any hope of being in God's glory, it must be Christ in you. If His Life is in you, then let your light shine.