Image by Roger Lynn via Flickr
This is part of a series of posts based on the Churches Together in England publication one light: one world. If you click on the link you will find the biblical texts. This post of the same name covers the purpose of this series.
1 John 1: 3 - 7
Read one of my earliest posts about Dark Holy Ground and put it alongside this passage. My question is 'what on earth does he mean by walking in the light'?
Many Christians experience walking with God in the dark. Often faith is tested in darkness and grows in the darkest places. Clearly, the imagery in the passage is very different; fellowship needs to be in the light.
The words 'in him there is no darkness at all' recall similar words from Psalm 139, words very much taken to heart in the Dark Holy Ground course. 'The darkness with you is no darkness at all, the night is as light as the day.' The imagery here is of darkness illuminated but still dark.
John believes there is no fellowship with God in the dark. Many who testify this is not true also experience light in darkness; things get really dark and yet the way is illuminated. We must struggle with this competing imagery of light and dark.
Where the dark is as light as the day, there is fellowship. People who experience this turn outwards, they are able to accompany and support others, to offer fellowship despite hardship. I'm not sure this is what John means but it is an insight we all need to carry with us.
Comments