John 3:16-21 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Epiphany have passed. Although for many people, the Advent and Christmas season is a joyous one, there are also many people for whom this time of year brings disappointment, disillusionment, and despair. One more year has passed, one more year without love, one more round of failed goals. And now the new year has started-will things really be any better?
YES! ABSOLUTELY AND POSITIVELY YES! If you are feeling lower than a ditch digger’s boots and in complete despair, I have great news. Yes, there is hope and no, you are not stuck. God can move in your situation and in your heart and transform both you and your situation.
Let’s look back at Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus. Remember, Nicodemus is a revered teacher and a big-time religious and civic leader for the Jewish community in Jerusalem. But Nicodemus is also hungry for God; he knows something is missing in his life, and he comes to Jesus to see if he can get answers.
Now Jesus is explaining to Nicodemus that even though men are inherently sinful, they are not stuck in that sin. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” For centuries, observant Jews have been making regular sacrifices to make up for their sins. Now God has sent His Son Jesus into the world so that anybody believing in Jesus might have everlasting life and might not go around feeling perpetually condemned.
Later, the Apostle Paul will emphasize this fact in his letter to the Christians in Rome. Romans 8:1-2 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”
When Nicodemus asks Jesus for more details, Jesus continues, “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
Notice that we get free from condemnation not because we are so good or so perfect, but because we believe in the name of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Sometimes we do wrong things without realizing they are wrong; yet, if we will confess those wrong things to God, He will forgive us. But when we insist on pursuing evil and being as evil as possible and being BAAAAD!!! , we are turning further and further away from the light of God’s holiness. We are choosing darkness rather than light.
“But,” you say, “I have made a mess of my life. Is there hope for me?” Absolutely! The first step in turning to the light is realizing you are in a mess and that you need God’s help to get out of it. The next step is looking at your situation and seeing what small positive actions you might take. Perhaps you will hold a door open for someone, or help an older person across the street, or share some of your possessions with someone who needs them. Perhaps you might simply smile at someone who looks discouraged-after all, you would love it if someone would smile at you! Each time you help, you are turning away from darkness toward light.
There’s a children’s song that says, “We are walking in the light of God.” Today can be the day you begin walking in that light. Let’s pray.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving me and caring for me. Lord, I am discouraged and feel like a failure. But I do want to walk in Your light. Please forgive me of my sins and help me to follow You whole-heartedly. In Your mighty and precious Name, Lord Jesus. Amen.
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