For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son [Jesus], that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so it may be seen plainly what they have done has been in the sight of God. John 3:16-21 I was reading through the gospel of John for the first time in a long time. This scripture passage made me think about how the light of Jesus exposes the depravity of our sins. I remember times in my life when I've strayed from the Lord's path for me and stories I've read (recently in the Old Testament) about how people try to hide their sins from God, as if He doesn't see everything.
There's this passage in the Old Testament (check out Joshua 6 & 7) after they fight the battle of Jericho where a soldier (Achan) takes riches from the city (forbidden in this particular battle since all the wealth was to go to God) and buries it in his tent, as if God couldn't see. I think his real sin issue was due to his lack of trust in God's goodness. He didn't trust that God would to take care of him, in this case financially. After the battle of Jericho the Lord allowed the Israelites to have wealth from their victories. The first victory, however, the first taste of wealth was to go to the Lord 1) because he deserved it and 2) to set an example of how to tithe and remember that all our good things come from God. Achan admits to his sin and he and his family is dealt with severely. Though his punishment may seem harsh to us I believe it's because while Israel was immature in its faith it had to be shown to respect and revere God and his decrees. God is loving but he is also just. Real justice demands payment when the law, in this case God's command, is broken. So how does the verse from John and the story of Achan apply to my life? How does it apply to yours? I think the real sin issue, from the beginning of time is that I (we) question that God has our best interest at heart. When we're asked to do something that we don't understand, instead of being obedient, we take the matter (whatever that is-- financial security, romance, happiness, etc.) into our own hands and try to make it go our way. But when we disobey him, the law God, written on our heart, convicts our soul and we know we have done wrong instead of right. We all do bad things. I may try to hide my bad thoughts and behaviors from others but God always knows. He knows all about you, too. The thing is-- he knows and he still loves us and wants us to come back to him. Either way our sin will be revealed, the question is when? Do I wait until my judgement day (when I die or the final judgement of the earth)? If Jesus isn't my Savior at that point I am found guilty and condemned as the Bible says. Or I can put my sin into the light, ask for the forgiveness of Jesus Christ, and lay it at the foot of the cross. There the blood of Jesus, shed for the forgiveness of the sins of the whole world, washes me clean from my sin and brings me into a right relationship with God. Only clothed in Christ and his forgiveness can you and I step into the presence of the Lord without shame. Through Jesus Christ I need to get my sin problem fixed now, even though it's a lifelong struggle. With my repentance (which is a very regular thing) and belief in Jesus as my Savior, the Lord removes my sin guilt and I know a peace and joy that is unique and can only come from God. Is the hope and peace of Jesus one that you know, or is there a part of your life that you need to bring to him and ask for forgiveness? I hope the Holy Spirit moves you toward repentance and a closer relationship with Christ. May the Lord be with you. May the LORD bless you and keep you, Sarah Will you pray with me? Lord Jesus, bring me into your light. Forgive me, renew me, and lead me. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
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