Unique: Part 2 - "A Unique Light"

Many if not all of us find it difficult to believe in truth. Perhaps it is because there are so many competing worldviews and we all have been affected by lies. Let's face it, some times  we are tempted to believe that it is just easier to lie to ourselves and live by those lies as though they were true. This ease is short lived because eventually the lies become unlivable. What we are in need of is the light if reality to shine into our lives of twisted lies so that we may make sense of our world.

To believe in a truth claim we must first understand that truth claim. The progression often follows this simple pattern; revelation plus listening equals understanding. Jesus came as the light of the world (revelation). Are you listening?          

To explore this further, lets us look at John 1:6-13. 

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 

7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 

8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 

9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 

11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 

12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 

13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

In looking at the many aspects of this text, I want to focus our attention on the idea that Jesus provides a unique understanding and right to become a child of God. This thought is understood within the following four observations.

1. John the Baptist was a witness to the distinct light of Jesus. V. 6-8

Here we see the purpose of John the Baptist's ministry and an example of at least part of our role as Christian. We are to follow John's example of being a witness to the light of Jesus. John was providing the revelation that it listened to, would bring understanding concerning who Jesus was and what He came to accomplish. In this text light is uses as a metaphor for understanding and reason. In other words John was a witness to the understanding and reasoning that Jesus would bring into the world. 

2. Jesus is the true light. V.9

This verse teaches us that the understanding and reasoning brought into the world by Jesus is the one true way of understanding and reasoning concerning God, and our relationship to Him. Again I must ask, are you listening to Jesus or are you coming up with your own truth?

3. The distinct light of Jesus is rejected. V.10-11

The point made in verses 10 and 11 are of no surprise and things have not changed in over 2,000 years. People continue to reject the truth as revealed by Jesus because they believe that their own understanding and reasoning will bring about a better life. This is true even though as John points out Jesus is present in the world that He has made. The question must be asked. Why are people rejecting the Present Creator? 

4. Jesus gives the right to become children of God to all those who believe. V.12-13

Though Jesus was, and continues to be rejected though He is the Present Creator, many have decided to set to listen. Notice the pattern that John Lays out in these verses. The progression is, receiving Jesus then believing in Him which then leads Jesus to give the right to become a child of God. This receiving can be seen as accepting His revelation of Himself, God and our current condition. Believing in Him is an active believe that involves surrendering our lives unto Him. At this surrendering Jesus then gives us the right to become God's children.

To complete this thought may you walk as children of the light as explained by The Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:1-21. The key phrase in this text is found in verse 8, “Walk as children of the light” Prayerfully move though the following steps that are directly from this passage. 

Twelve Steps on the Path of Light
1. Be imitators of God. V.1
2. Walk in love. V.2
3. Speak cleanly and wisely with thanksgiving. V.4
4. Let no one deceive you with empty words. V. 6
5. Do not become partakers with those who speak empty words. V.7
6. Try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. V.10, 17 
7. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but expose them. V.11
8. Look carefully how you live your life, not as unwise, but as wise. V.15
9. Do not get drunk with wine, but be filled with the Holy Spirit. V.18
10 Speak to one another in such ways that are pleasing to God. V.19
11. Give thanks always. V.20
12. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. V.21