Shining in the Darkness

How do you detect a fake? The best way to spot counterfeits is to be intimately familiar with the real thing. Based on this idea, the United States government offers an online currency education program so the public can study the security features of various denominations of dollar bills. The better acquainted a person is with the real currency, the less likely they will be deceived by fakes. Studying original currency allows us to detect counterfeits. In the same way, when we study the truth of the Bible, God’s Word, we’re enabled to detect Satan’s lies. In a world rife with terror, oppression, deception, and injustice, it can be so tempting to believe darkness and evil have overcome. Yet, the opening verses of the book of John in the Bible remind us that Jesus, the Word, was present at the beginning of the world, and He is with us still: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (verses 4 and 5). The better acquainted we are with Jesus, the Light, the more we understand His power over sin and evil. As we pray and read the Bible—individually and with other believers—the Holy Spirit deepens our understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ. With this understanding, we are less likely to be deceived by the appearance of evil’s dominance. Whatever darkness we encounter, the Light of the world shines through and will always overcome it as we walk by faith in His Spirit as our guide (John 8:12; 16:33). • Remi Oyedele • What lies do you find yourself believing? • What are some passages from the Bible you can use to combat those lies with the truth of the good news of Jesus? The light [Jesus] shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5 (NIV)

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John 1:1-5