Understanding John 3: Play in the Light

There is nothing like a game under the lights. The stands are packed as you hear the crowd cheer for their team of choice. Have you ever tried to play a game of soccer in the dark with no lights? It’s dangerous. How about baseball? Sounds even worse.

Light allows for the illumination of what is actually happening. It allows you to see the ball, make the right calls, and play an honest game. Could you imagine a referee making calls for game in the middle of the night? Sounds like a mess.

In John 3, we see the importance of God’s light. Verse 19 says, “God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.” Actions of evil drive people into shame and fear. Who would want to be on a big lit up field if you were not prepared to play the game? It feels better to hide in dark places if you are “missing the mark” every time. Entering into the light can feel frightening because the brightness of the light is so strong!

As believers in Jesus, we don’t have to fear the light. In fact, the perfect game has already been scheduled for our destiny when we are in Christ. The performance of righteousness has been fulfilled in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus. His perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). When you are not in Christ, you choose to stay in the dark, OR you come before a blinding light with a tendency to always miss the goal. Outside of Christ’s redemption, we stand exposed on a field of blurred vision and condemnation.

As competitors for Christ, we can rest assured in God’s truth and grace. His light is exposing the injustice in our hearts and in the world. At the same time, He illuminates the love poured out for all mankind.