Contemplative Bible Reading

John 1:4 (American Standard Version)

In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

Let’s look at a familiar passage in what today is an unfamiliar translation.

I don’t see well in the dark. I guess that is an understatement as I can’t see anything in the absence of light. God made our vision system that way. It is no surprise that God had people write about Him in terms of light and dark. He understands our weakness in darkness.

Jesus is the light of men, i.e., the light of mankind. How do we know where we are going? We see Jesus, i.e., see the light, and that light shows us the way. It is unfortunate that many of us see the light, see Jesus, and decide to go towards darker places while still using the light of Jesus that is shining at our backs.

Why do I do that? That is my miserable human self getting in the way, blocking the light of Jesus with my backside. Thank you God for providing the light so we can see where to go. Thank you for accepting us as we turn to the light.