Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” John 12:35
INTRO: This is room #6, “Light draws and repels”. Entering the space, think of certain creatures in the animal kingdom that have different reactions to light. Some, like moths, are drawn to it. Other creatures seem to avoid the light and stay in dark places as much as possible. As you walk around this space, notice the areas of light and darkness. How will you respond to the light? Will you come close?
WHAT IT MEANS: It seems that certain creatures in the animal kingdom have opposite reactions to light. Some, like moths, for example, are drawn to the light. Other creatures seem to avoid the light and stay in dark places as much as possible. Humans have very different reactions to God’s light. Again, God’s light reveals our sins but also illuminates the beauty of God’s holiness. His light exposes the impurity of even our best deeds and shows us the dirt in our hearts. But it makes us see the God of love that is all around us who wants to save us. What kind of person are we? Do we come to the light? Or do we love darkness? Jesus explained it perfectly—“And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God." (John 3:19-21) The God of Light invites us to come to the light that our darkness would be dispelled. We are invited to come and be transformed. We are invited to leave the darkness of our sin and take on a new life in Christ. Will you hide from the light or will you let it flood you?
PRAYER: Lord, I do want to come close to your light ... but I also want to run from it. I want to be totally surrounded by light ... but I also want to hide. I want to be light ... but I also want to hold onto my darkness. My heart is so torn! Why do I run from your light? Why am I afraid to face the light? Your light overwhelms me, and I feel small and unworthy. And yet, your light pulls me in, almost irresistibly, compelling me to leave the darkness behind and live in Your light. Pull me out of the darkness into your wonderful light. God of Light, make me a shining light for you!
