John 3:16-21 - Scattering Cockroaches

Which way are you running?

Many people know John 3:16, but how many know the context? Here's the whole paragraph:

John 3:16–21 (English Standard Version)  16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

God doesn't want to condemn us, He wants to forgive us and give us eternal life. Sadly, some people would rather not accept that offer:

18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 

Why? Why refuse to believe in God? The paragraph continues to explain.

19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

When I was young and single, struggling to make ends meet in Chicago so I could continue my education, I was renting space in a rooming house that was... cheap. And dirty. My tiny bedroom could hold a bed, a dresser, and a side table. The kitchen facilities, like the bathrooms, were shared--down the hall.

I remember walking into the kitchen and flipping on the light switch. Cockroaches scattered. I had never seen them that close before, and I barely knew what they were because they moved so fast. Talk about being creeped out!

Unfortunately, some people are cockroaches. The light comes on and they run. The light might show that there is something in their life that needs God's loving, tender forgiveness. They opt for darkness and garbage instead of light and love.

Lord, Help me to not be a cockroach by running from You to protect the ugly parts of my life. Instead, give me a desire to run toward the Light: the light of Your love and forgiveness. In Jesus' name, Amen.