Walk in the Light
Today’s Text: 1 John 1:7
GROW

Because we love the hour of blue—that moment of intense twilight just between sunset and nightfall—my wife and I usually take our walk at this time and return home in the dark on most evenings. Walking in the dark can be lonely, even frightening. It’s much easier if you brought a flashlight! With the beam illuminating the path, you can identify obstacles and avoid stumbling.

In the spiritual realm, the apostle John observes, “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all” (v.5). That truth cannot be stated more forcefully.

God is light. His nature or essence is pure light. He repels darkness. He is the diametric opposite of darkness. (1) Moreover, Peter reminds us that God has called us, “out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9). With this in mind, today’s text is illuminating:

1 JOHN 1:7
“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Sunset in Glacier National Park, Montana

While it is true that those walking in the light will have fellowship with others also walking in the light, the concept behind this statement is even more profound. The word translated “one another” is reciprocal and refers to the fellowship between God and each individual Believer! If we walk in the light, we will enjoy fellowship with God. It is an astounding truth; but there’s more.

God reciprocates; He fellowships with us. It’s a two-way relationship. John is not describing a cosmic arena where spectators focus on God making public service announcements about Himself. Rather, John describes the intimate fellowship of friends walking down a path together (Amos 3:3).

God not only wants to have this kind of relationship with every one of His children, He alone is uniquely able to illuminate our walk with Him.

Therefore, “walking in the light” is living in fellowship with God. Yet, it is difficult to fully grasp since God is light and absolutely righteous; and, we are not. Satan attempts to influence our minds to believe that when there is sin in our life, God doesn’t want to walk with us; and we’re on our own. In truth, God never stops desiring fellowship with us.

God doesn’t expect us to be perfect in order to have a relationship with Him. He desires fellowship with us in spite of our imperfections. However, God doesn’t simply excuse or overlook sin in our lives. Rather, He has made absolute provision for sin. John tells us, “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 Jn. 1:7).

We have been made righteous in Christ (Rm. 8:1). That is precisely how imperfect people can have fellowship with a righteous God. Now, we walk in fellowship with God; and the light of His presence exposing our motives, impulses and deeds keeps us from stumbling.

Today, take time to thank, “Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy” (Jude 24).

Charles E. McCracken is an international Bible teacher, long-time friend of Israel and advocate for the Jewish people. Rev. McCracken’s presentations are relevant for those seeking to understand the significance of Israel and the church in Bible prophecy. He staunchly supports the nation of Israel and the Jewish people’s right to exist and live in peace.

© Charles E. McCracken 2016, devotional comments only. Repost/Reprint with permission from the author via Contact Form under ABOUT. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (Emphasis added.)

ENDNOTE:
1) In this case, darkness figuratively portrays the evil world system ruled by Satan (2 Cor. 4:4; Gal. 1:4; Eph. 2:2).

IMAGE:
1) The Sunset in Glacier National Park, Montana. By BD [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons ~ Enhancement: MKM Portfolios

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