John 1:6-9 THE REVELATION OF THE INCARNATE WORD God had laid precise plans relating to the coming of Christ into the world. The Old Testament scriptures had foretold of a forerunner who would prepare the way of the Lord. In the sovereign purpose of God, John was born into this world. This man "came from God." The program of carrying out God's intention of revealing Himself to the world through "The Word" included the miraculous conception of John, born to Zacharias and Elizabeth in their older years. This was no mere fluke of nature. This was in the divine plan of God. The nature of John's birth, the event of his name being announced, the kind of man he was and the lifestyle he lived set him apart from others. He was a prophet of the Most-High. He was to give God's people the knowledge of salvation through forgiveness of sins. He was separated from politics and the religious life of the nation by living in the desert, until "The Light" was to be publicly revealed.
Not every servant of God knows what God has in mind as the purpose of their life and service. John didn't live long, but he is well known because of the power and impact of his brief years. His calling of God involved years of childhood and a few years in the desert for preparation for the short time of his public testimony. When one testifies, that person openly affirms and gives evidence of what they know. John was such a person. He came to openly testify, and also to bear witness of "The Light." He knew personally that Jesus was "The Light." Now as a witness, one who sees and knows a thing by personal presence or perception, John began to publicly attest to the fact that Jesus was here. He clearly stated he was not "The Light" himself, but as a witness he openly afforded evidence as to who the Lord Jesus Christ was. We too are to testify and affirm openly who the Lord Jesus is. By personal experience we know Him and have experienced His presence and power with us in our lives as those who believe on Him. Our witness to what we have seen and heard - and experienced of Him is important.
John did not only bear witness to the Lord Jesus, but behind that testimony was a very important reason. It was that "all men through Him might believe." Just to tell something that is true is not enough. The objective of a witness testifying for the Lord is that people will take personally for themselves what we have to say. It is true that we, like John, can reflect the light of our Lord Jesus Christ, but the point of that is so others will come to accept "The Word" who is "the Light of the world."
Many people through the years. and some in my lifetime, have claimed to be the true light. Their deception was soon revealed. When the Lord Jesus Christ came, he showed the imperfections and the dimness of all others who claim to have the light of truth and understanding apart from the revealed truth of the Word of God. "The True Light" that came into the world, shines on everyone regardless of who they are and where they are. His character reveals the true character of every person. His holiness revealed how unholy - how ungodly we are. His perfections exposed the darkness of our hearts. His coming into the world did not give everyone the knowledge of salvation or even the knowledge of Him. But the Incarnate Word, the Lord Jesus Christ, has revealed the standard of divine expectation as to what God wants from humans. Philosophies of others who began religions in the world, rise only as high as the morals and limited understanding of the teachers. Every one falls far short of what God expects of us. So, they all impose on their followers a demand of works to try to attain what in every human heart we need - peace, freedom, righteousness and happiness. The shining of the True Light of the Lord put into human flesh the perfect humanity God wants. None of us can attain this. But in and through Christ, God can accept us who believe in Him. God can accept us who believe in Him and by faith personally accept Him as our Savior, Redeemer and Lord. His righteousness is imputed to us - and God can justly accept us because of Him.
There is no question, no doubt at all, of the limitations of our humanity. And in contrast to that there is no doubt of the perfections of "The Word's" deity. How then can the infinitely wide gap be crossed between us and God's expectations. "The Light" has shined in the darkness we were in revealing His sinless perfection.
When there is a witness to give affirmation to that which one sees and knows - There results a testimony to those looking on of a reality the truly shows. Light has come far greater than that which only reveals that what is wrong. True Light shines into the darkness of hearts showing to whom that person belongs.
John came to tell and also to show that faith in God is a reality. He testified to the fact Light had come and He was there for all to see. When one is a witness of "The True Light," that witness casts a reflection. That reflection is what people see when they hear the message of salvation.
Not every person has an inward knowledge as to who "The True Light" really is. And not every one has heard about Jesus and the uniqueness that is singularly His. But the shining of the Light in every person is that everyone's character is revealed. Then when the Gospel message comes to them, they will learn "by His stripes we are healed."
Those who know the Lord now and live by faith in Him who "gave Himself for me." Have the responsibility to bear witness of "The Light" so hearers will from wrath flee. Our personal testimony adds weight to our words so those who hear will believe. The experiences of walking in the light with Him gives witness to the Light we received.
"Father, this day is kind of marked out in my mind, but whatever Thou dost have for Thy servant I want to do. If there are some things I should not do because it would hinder the "True Light" from casting the rays of divine grace - please stop me. If there are things I have overlooked, that should be done - please give me that light that I might reflect the character of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."