John 1:1-14. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Scripture says that the whole world is under the control of the evil one, Satan (1 John 5:19). He dared to challenge God Himself (Ezekiel 28:14–19; Isaiah 14:12–15). Holding the power of death (Hebrews 2:14), he seized the kingdom of the air (Ephesians 2:2) and exerts his influence throughout the world (Ephesians 6:12). It was he who deceived Adam and Eve, stealing life from them and plunging humanity into hell, disasters, and separation from God (Genesis 3:1–10).
Since then, the devil has trapped mankind in his snares: the cage of self-reliance and self-centeredness (Genesis 3), the corruption and worldly pleasure of Noah’s days (Genesis 6), and the pride and pursuit of human success at Babel (Genesis 11). He continues the same strategies today—making people lovers of themselves, of money, and of success (2 Timothy 3:1-5)—only to leave them in despair and emptiness. He builds invisible prisons around us through the powers of religion and oppression (Acts 13), through demon-possession and bondage (Acts 16), and through cultural darkness and idolatry (Acts 19).
This is why Jesus, the Creator God, came as the true Light for all people. From the beginning, light was God’s answer to darkness, formlessness, and emptiness (Genesis 1:2–3). But the Light of Christ is far greater than the natural light of the sun, moon, and stars. His light is life itself—the life of God shining into the darkness, a life that the darkness cannot overcome (John 1:5).
The eternal Word took on human form and lived among us (John 1:14). The Creator became man so that He could call us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). To those who receive Him, to those who believe in His name, He gives the right to become children of God.
This authority comes from our True King, Jesus, who destroyed the devil’s work (1 John 3:8). It is the access to the throne of grace through our True Priest, Jesus, who entered the Most Holy Place once for all with His own blood (Hebrews 9:12). It is the privilege of living as citizens of heaven through our True Prophet, Jesus, who opened the way to heaven for us living in the background of hell (John 14:6).
And now, the presence, guidance, and empowerment of the Holy Spirit are given to all who believe. God’s angels, His ministering spirits, are sent to serve and help those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14). The authority of Jesus is living and active in you. When you receive and believe that Jesus is the Christ, His life becomes your life, and His authority becomes your authority. Everything in heaven and on earth must submit to His name (Philippians 3:21).
This faith is not about striving harder, reforming your character, or chasing after self-improvement. It is about receiving the life that conquers death and the authority that overcomes the enemy. Life—because apart from Christ, we were dead in our sins (Ephesians 2:1). Authority—because we face a relentless adversary who prowls like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8).
Therefore, live each day in the fullness of His life. Walk in boldness, not fear. Exercise His authority against the forces of darkness with humility, always acknowledging the One who has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).
Prayer. Lord Jesus, I thank You for coming as the true Light of the world. Thank You for the life You restored and the authority You gave me when I believed. Help me to walk boldly yet humbly in the power of Your name, shining Your light in every place of darkness. Amen.