Living in the light
Key Verses: 1, 5, 7, 9
There is nothing like having actually experienced an event to make it real. I remember sitting at a lunch counter in Long Beach Island, NJ watching the launch of the Challenger. I remember getting to stay up past my bedtime with my parents and watch the first steps on the moon LIVE on TV. I still have the newspaper from the next morning! I remember being home sick from school and being upset that all the channels had stopped showing regular programs and were showing JFK’s funeral procession. These memories are burned in my brain.
John and his companions actually walked this earth with Jesus. The events of Jesus’ life were burned into his memory. The things he said that were backed up with such emotionally charged events wired their brains to remember the details crisply. No wonder their lives were changed and they couldn’t help but proclaim the Gospel. And John writes this letter to help complete their joy. I think some of the joy comes from the sharing of the good news. And you have to experience that joy for yourself to know what it feels like.
One of the important themes of their day and age was the theme of light. Jesus embodies light to its fullest possible extent. No darkness at all. And those who walk with share His light, and need to walk in that light.
When we are in the light we are vitally connected to each other and to Him. He removes everything that might hinder that connection. The first hindrance is not recognizing that sin is still a part of our lives, even though we have been forgiven. Some people think they have grown spiritual above and beyond sin’s reach. Not true. Self-deception is a very powerful companion of sin and Satan.
Jesus provides a simple solution to sin: confession. When we agree with God about our sin and their consequences, He does two things.
First, He forgives. He treats us in a way that doesn’t take into account our sin. He treats us as if we had always obeyed. Sin does not hinder our relationship.
Second, He cleanses us for the residue of sin. This does not mean that we escape all the consequences of sin. We might have to walk right through jail or even worse. But it does mean that the pull and weight of sin is removed over time. This cleansing process does take some time. Each time we choose to obey, sin’s grip and influence is lessened. And it is His power that enables us to obey.
The Arnold Journey 