Judged for Avoiding Judgment

Scripture: This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. John 3:19-20

Observation: As Jesus discusses the topic of salvation by faith in him as the Messiah, these strong words conclude the teaching ... that this truth - the light - has now arrived in the world, but the people are going to reject it and thus be subject to God's judgment. However, the reason they have rejected is the harsher statement. They reject God's truth because they do evil and are ashamed, and thus don't want to face the reality of judgment. They will be judged because they desire to avoid judgment.

The truth is that God is real. He is alive, the creator of the universe, and the loving father of all. This does not change based on one's faith, beliefs, or behaviors. As a result, God will judge everyone. However, there are many who reject that judgment and wish to be left outside of that process. Some know they are doing evil and don't want the light of truth of highlight that fact. Others love the ways of the world and don't want or accept any authority that even tells them that what they are doing is wrong. These individuals reject Jesus - and thus reject God's truth and light and love - to avoid God's judgment.

Jesus is pretty clear ... that isn't how it works. Avoiding the light doesn't mean you aren't seen by the light. Rejecting the truth doesn't make it untrue. And there will be judgment for those who love darkness and hate the light.

Application: Our society today is taking this process to another level, attempting to create 'norms' that describe the darkness as "enlightened" and "good".

And make no mistake about this ... those in society who do this, even the everyday people falling into the trap, know they are rejecting Jesus. Even if they don't "know" Jesus, they do know there is a concept of faith in the creator God, and they have chosen to avoid and reject that in favor of worldly concepts. For many, they do this because they have at least a vague understanding that the Lord disapproves of their lifestyle, and they have no desire to even hear or care about that kind of 'judgment'.

They love darkness. They avoid the light. They reject the light because they don't want their deeds exposed. Thus, they try to avoid judgment. It is in that context they will be judged.

Prayer: Lord, perhaps the hardest part of being a Christian is knowing that I do wrong, I commit sin, and my sins are seen by you, in the light. Yet I would rather be exposed in your light, with my hope for forgiveness through Jesus, than to embrace the dark. May we find a way to lead others into the light, for my heart breaks for their future judgment. Amen.