As we enter into our texts for this week, listening to what God has to say to us through His Word, we might summarize this week's theme as an occasion for encountering both God's judgment and God's grace in the coming of Jesus.
When Jesus, the Light of the world, comes into our midst, the same light that illuminates and brightens the way also serves to expose and convict those who prefer the covering of darkness to perpetuate evil. We don't get light without casting a few shadows in the process.
This highlights the reality that many of us may already be familiar with: when we proclaim and live by the good news of Jesus, not everyone who hears the news of God's love is thrilled by it. There are other forces opposed to God's grace and when the light enters the room, they will do whatever they can to turn it off.
Let these texts be an encouragement to each of us this week, as we open our eyes to the light that is at work in us.
Numbers 21:4-9
Ephesians 2:1-10
John 3:14-21
Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22
My prayer for us: Blessed God, Who illuminates our darkness through the Light of Your Son, Jesus the Christ, help us to walk in step with Your truth and Your goodness, knowing that we need both Your judgment and Your grace in order to do so. Be merciful to us this week, we pray. In the name of Jesus and in the power of Your Spirit. Amen.
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