1. Introduction
Light and darkness are mutually exclusive. They are two properties or conditions that can never mix together. They are opposite to each other. Apostle john writes in john 1:4_5" in Him was life and the life was the light of men.And the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it"light will remain useless if it does not shine to dispel darkness.so, for light to make send to must shine in darkness.
2. Analysis of text
"The darkness did not comprehend it"
Going by the Greek background the word comprehend is capable of three interpretations:
A.it could be;to seize,lay of ,overcome,therefore vs 5 could read:the darkness does not gain control of it.
B.it could also mean ;to perceive,attain ,lay holdof with the mind,to apprehend with mental or moral efforts,going by this the vs could be translated; "The darkness is unreceptive and does not understand it.
C.it could also mean;to quench,extinguishe,swift out the light by stifling it." By this it means" the darkness will never be able to eliminate it"so light and darkness essentially are antagonistic if we live for Christ we will glow like light,showing others what Christ is like.However,we hid our lights by:
A.Being quite when we should speak
B.Going along with the crowd
C.Denying the light
D.Letting sin dim our light
E.Not explaining our light to others
F.Ignoring the need of others
However; the Christians joy is in knowing that light is not only greater than darkness but will also outlast the darkness.
3.Light and its source
While one may be in doubt about the source of darkness no one will be in doubt about the source of light.God created light on the first day of creation, Gen 1vs 3. One interesting the bible recorded is john 1:4 is "in Him was life and the life was the light of men". Again,in john 8:12,Jesus says:" I am the light of the world...
If Jesus is the light of the world then the world without Jesus Will be in darkness;
Note also;He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life".
To have the light of life is consequent upon following Jesus and not just having Him
Following removes every iota of static situation.
In the bible most times day is used to mean light while night is also used to mean darkness. John 9:4_1 I must work the works of Him who sent me while it is day...
4.How to keep your light
That light shines in darkness and darkness could nor comprehend, is the normal situation.
However
A.Light came but people prefer darkness_John3:18_19
B.The people who sat in darkness have seen great light _matt 4:12_17 because the prince of life has come.
C.God has used the power of light to protect Israel;Exod.14:19:20.
D.Egypt was confronted with darkness and that ended their pursuit for that moment while Israel had light and moved on.what was darkness to Egypt was light to is real.This is because of the side one belongs.
Light shining to is real in their night and darkness to Egypt in their day.
1John 1:6_8,John 8:12
To ensure your light keep shining the following is necessary:
A.Your identity with Jesus must not be questionable
B.Following Jesus is the only basis for having the light of life.1(John 8:12)
C.It is our resolve to walk with Jesus that ensures forgiveness
D.Cleaning by the blood is because we are in the light and not because we merely confessed our sins.
E.Our love for the brotherhood will help reveal the light.
F.Therefore is always difference between light and darkness, therefore let your light so shine ......matt5:16
5 conclusion
1pet2:9
You are a chosen generation. This means one picked from a large group for special services and privileges. We are chosen and called out of darkness to the marvelous light of Christ,and this is for us to show the praizes of Him who has done this good work for us and in us.
