My Daily Pause

In Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, he pronounce a judgment on those who choose not to believe and obey. Jesus brought the light into the world,

…and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. – John 3:19

Those who work hard to do what is right are often scoffed at or teased or otherwise discouraged from trying to improve. This isn’t just Bible things we are talking about – we also see it with those trying to be financially responsible and even those that want to build their own business rather than work for a company.

The light is where safety and goodness live

It is human nature to not want someone else to expose our shortcomings, but what Jesus describes in John 3:19-21 is a warning of the ultimate shortcoming. As we continue to grow and mature in Christ we need to be strong enough to bring others with us and not let ourselves be influenced by them.

From personal observation, the places we have to be careful when we expose ourselves in the light are things like:

• Someone calling us a “legalist” when we are simply trying to obey God’s word
• Someone trying to cast doubt on the Bible because it is “written” by men
• Someone trying to change our views because it doesn’t agree with the popular opinion

These are very persuasive arguments that cause many to change their opinion without consulting their Bible. The metaphor of the light is spot on in how the world reacts to exposure to God’s word. They refuse to examine themselves and refuse to grow.

God loved us enough to send his son, (John 3:16) let’s return the favor by doing what is true (John 3:21)

Daily Bible reading for November 7

Psalm 98
2 Kings 6:24-7:20
Zechariah 11
John 3:22-36