Together in Christ: 'Drawn to the Light' — John 3:18-21

Sunday, January 7, 2024

There is no judgment against anyone who believes in [God's Son]. 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.

— John 3:18-21 NLT

Key Thought

When our hearts long for truth and hunger to be drawn into a closer fellowship with God, we are drawn to His Light. We don't fear our sins being exposed because we come to the Light for grace [1] and commit to living in ways that more perfectly reflect God's unfailing love, gracious compassion, and righteous character. [2] We want the world to know that God has called us out of darkness into His wonderful light. [3] We want to be caught up in the nature of God's Light so that others will see Jesus and be drawn into a saving relationship with Him.

[1] Ephesians 1:1-7; Romans 5:6-11.
[2] Exodus 34:6; Psalm 48:10, 50:6, 86:15, 116:5; Luke 1:78; John 1:14, 17.
[3] 1 Peter 2:9-10.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, You are faithful, gracious, loving, holy, righteous, and full of compassion. You are "God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light." [A] Yet, dear God, You have chosen to come near to us and invite us into fellowship with You through Jesus, Your Son and our Savior, the Light of hearts. [B] Thank you! I praise you! I commit to inviting others into fellowship with You through Jesus. Amen.

[A] This quotation is from 1 Timothy 6:15-16 NIV.
[B] 2 Corinthians 4:6-10; 1 Peter 2:9-10.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 2:1-10
  • Psalm 116:1-5

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Illustration

Illustration of John 3:18-21 NLT — There is no judgment against anyone who believes in [God's Son]. 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.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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