JohnBlog - Word&LightSample

JohnBlog - Word&Light Day 17

A great distance has emerged between God and self-organizing created order led by men made in the image of God but not possessed by his spirit. We were set apart and given God-like qualities to curate the physical world as an act of worship. The idea of sin is explained in various ways in the Bible, but here is the essence of mankind’s problem. It has wandered from its creator’s light source. This, the primary meaning of the verse, relates to the last three years of Jesus’ life on earth; an inspiring secondary meaning relates to his first thirty years. Consider.

Jesus, maker of ‘everything that was created’, was living on earth for 30 years without being recognized. I think I like this idea so much because of what it says about the nature of our God. He is patient. He does not demand recognition. He waits for the proper time. He acts with strategy. He submits himself to a creation that is living in darkness. He is humble and un-presuming. He is meek - powerful but under no compulsion to demonstrate his power. Remember also that the statement is made in the context of explaining the role of John the Baptist. Taken together, verses 8-11 might also be part of that explanation: “He himself (John) was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light” (BECAUSE) “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world” (was about to enter the public stage) (AND) “He (the true light) was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him”. (THEREFORE) God sent a man named John to reveal the secret of the past 30 years and prepare the people for the great revelation. Jesus was planted behind the lines in his rebellious creation, like a sleeper agent from Heaven. Only those very close to God and close to Jesus, recognized him. Cousin John’s job was to give the signal for him to ‘come out’ at just the right time.

The Disciple:
I will clothe myself in your patience Jesus. I will wait in the wings, unrecognized and happy. Casting light on the small things. Worshiping like you, as you repaired a broken chair or carved a small gift for a wedding. In moving through life, I will follow your signs.