Observation: John begins as a callback to Genesis 1, aligning Jesus himself to creation. As himself part of Yahweh, Jesus was part of creation ... Jesus himself was the 'word' that is part of speaking creation into existence. That said, this overall metaphor about Jesus is a little confusing.
-- First, Jesus is the word that was with - and a part of - God at creation.
-- Second, that creating word contains the power of life itself.
-- Third, life is strongest as a light that is part of the existence of mankind itself.
-- Finally, that light shines in darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it.
Therefore, there is another way of summarizing metaphorical introduction. The almighty God created mankind in his image, which looks a lot like Jesus, and put within him a special and unique kind of life that is explicitly interconnected with himself via the Holy Spirit (aka our souls). These spiritual souls are designed to change and improve - to light - the world itself, which at the spiritual level is the realm of satan and thus full of darkness. When we align ourselves to the Lord - with faith in Messiah, and connected to the Holy Spirit - our very life battles and overcomes evil, and in fact evil cannot win such a battle.
In short, what is really going on here on earth is ... a battle between the despair shaped by the lies of satan, and the hope found in the truth about Jesus. And faith-empowered hope ALWAYS wins.
Application: I know this when it comes to the ways of this world ... very often lies defeat the truth. This happens every day, and everyone would agree with that statement no matter what side of any issue on any topic anyone believes. On almost every issue, everyone believes their thoughts about it are true, anyone opposed is lying, and the other side is 'winning'. Even myself - who would declare that there are certain absolute truths found in the word the Lord God almighty, creator and ruler of the universe - would state that there are lies within this world that are defeating these truths within our society today.
However, I also know that hope prevails, and faith in Jesus lifts me to an eternal life beyond this flawed world. It doesn't protect me from pain and sorrow and hardships found in this world, but it gives me knowledge of the future. My soul - my light - connects with the Holy Spirit, and darkness will not overcome my light, because it is empowered by Jesus himself.
Yes, some days my light dims a bit, and on those days my life becomes a struggle. This is just further evidence that what John said - while confusing - is true. I exist by the word of the Lord himself, with life imbued by his will, and a light full of hope to shine in this place and time.
Prayer: Lord, I am here and now for a purpose. May my light shine for the glory of your will, your truth, and your word. Amen.
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