Light Judges Darkness

Text: John 3:17-20
Theme: When we walk in the Light, there’s nothing left to judge.
Key verses: “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants” (v. 17-20).
What God said to me: Son, you must walk in the light. I have no choice but to judge those who lurk in the darkness and avoid my light in their lives. Think about the times you have deliberately sinned. In every instance, you hid in darkness to commit your sin. This is not only about physical darkness, but also spiritual darkness. When you sin against me, you are willfully walking in darkness, and for those sins you are judged. Notice how the Holy Spirit immediately convicts you and never allows you to stay comfortable in the darkness. That’s a form of my judgment. You’re not convicted for walking in light, are you? There’s nothing left for me to judge. All is exposed in the Light of my Son. Keep in mind and be extremely thankful that your soul is saved and your final destination secure. You will not stand before me at the Great White Throne of Judgement. You are my child forever and ever. Nothing can separate you from my love and salvation. However, you will give an account of everything done in your body, whether good or bad. There is no dark place you can hide where I can’t see you. I know your every thought, action and motive. Fear that. Fear me. Fear when you will stand before my Son at the Judgement Seat of Christ to see if he can tell you, “Well done.” Fear that inevitable moment when you will watch your deeds be tried and burned according to their quality. Let the light of my Son expose your evil deeds and motives now, right here on earth. Constantly walk in the Light–even when it’s uncomfortable, inconvenient and even embarrassing to your flesh. Trust me when I tell you, any exposure and conviction of your sins now is a far lighter judgement than you could receive for never-confessed sins when you stand before my Son. That will smart big time. Talk about embarrassment–you can’t even imagine what it could feel like when you are face to face with the One who died for you.
What I said to God: I can’t say much. Mostly I just need to be quiet and resolved to heed Your stern and non-negotiable warning. Thank You, my God and Advocate, for turning Your light on in my heart. For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. You know me and yet love me. Help me to confess my faults to some people I can really trust to pray for me and hold me accountable. Much better to risk embarrassment in front of them than to see disappointment in the face of Your Son one day.