The Light Refused, The Spirit Received

 


The Light Refused, The Spirit Received

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​John 1:6–11

God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him.

​John 4:23–24

"But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth."

​Recognizing the Light

​The opening of John’s Gospel introduces a tragic irony: the Creator of the world entered His own creation, yet many "did not know Him" and "did not receive Him." Imagine coming home one day and no one recognizes you—your own family questioning why you are even there. Jesus did exactly what the Father asked, yet His own people denied Him. Even Peter, who truly loved the Lord, stumbled in his recognition.

​John the Baptist’s role was simple but vital: to be a witness to the light. We often fail to recognize God because we look for Him through the wrong lenses. John 1 reminds us that the Light is already here, but it requires a heart ready to receive Him. Just as John the Baptist pointed others away from himself and toward Jesus, our lives are meant to be pointers to the one true Light.

 Worshiping in Spirit and Truth

​In John 4, Jesus clarifies how we are to respond to this Light. True worship is not about a physical location or empty ritual; it is a transformation of the heart:

  • ​Worship in Spirit: This comes from the inner man, empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is a sincere connection that transcends "going through the motions.
  • ​Worship in Truth: This is based on the reality of who God is as revealed in Scripture. We align our lives with Jesus—the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

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​The Father is actively seeking those who will worship Him authentically. Today, ask yourself: Am I like the world in John 1, standing in the presence of the Light but failing to recognize Him? Or am I responding by offering my whole life as an act of worship? Now is our time to embrace our Triune God with all we have and be living witnesses of the Good News!

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​Heavenly Father, thank You for sending the Light into the world. Forgive me for the times I have failed to recognize Your presence in my daily life. Help me to be a witness like John, pointing others to Jesus. Teach me to worship You today—not just with my words, but in spirit and in truth. I ask this in Jesus precious name.  Amen!

​The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen!

​BELIEVE, OBEY, BE BLESSED, AMEN

BOBBA


Have a blessed day!

Love,

Penny

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