1 John 1:5-7 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
The light and darkness situations are not spelled out for us, but it is fairly clear that we are expected to know the difference. John tells us that these early words are provided for us so that we don’t sin, but if we do sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous himself; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
While this is certainly an encouraging word, it may not be quite as simple as it first seems to be. These encouragements also suggest that if we keep
God’s commandments we can be sure that we know him. Conversely, when we say we know him keeping the commandments should be a given. Whoever claims to “abide” in him ought to walk as he walked. John Wesley asks, “How can we say that we love God when we refuse to confess our sins, refuse to forgive others, or refuse to be in fellowship with them because they have sinned against us?” Wesley goes on to remind us that before we can be the light, we must see the light. Moreover we need to accept that God’s light saves, heals, cleanses, and restores us despite our brokenness.
This is certainly good news. Yet, we have some significant responsibilities here as well. Confessing, repenting , forgiving others and ourselves are the first steps toward fulfilling those responsibilities. As we were reminded in the Philippians text recently, God’s Spirit works in us to enable us to both will and work for Gods good pleasure. We are not alone in this light and darkness struggle. Never forget that God want us to overcome our difficulties and frailties and has provided the solution. The world depends on our making progress and spreading the resultant light
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Let My People Seek Their Freedom v. 4
In the maelstrom of the nations,
in the journeying into space,
in the clash of generations,
in the hungering for grace,
in our agony and glory,
we are called to newer ways
by the Lord of our tomorrows
and the God of earth’s todays.
God, we thank you that you have not and will not give up on us and our reconciliation to you. Your steadfast love endures forever, and you continue to make it possible for us to join you. Amen.
Pastor David Brosnan