John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2  He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light
of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. (Ps 36:9 fountain of life, in your light we see light) 

Job 24:13 There are those who rebel against the light; They do not know its ways Nor abide in its paths  Ps 56:13 Isa 2:5 Eph 5:8 1Jn 1:7 Jn 8:12;11:9;12:35

Jn 3:19  this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

I. God doesn't want His people to take a blind leap of faith into the dark, but intelligent steps into the Light

A. Jn 1:6 man sent from God..John 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world

B. Mal 2:17 Where is the God of justice? 3:1 Behold, I send My messenger (Mt 11:10) and he will prepare the way before Me. and the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming," says the LORD of hosts 3 He will purify the sons of Levi, And purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the LORD an offering in righteousness...pleasant to the LORD, as in the days of old 5  And I will come near you for judgment...Because they do not fear Me," Says the LORD of hosts. 6 For I am the LORD, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob 7...Return to Me, and I will return to you
Isa 40:3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the LORD; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God

II. God wants to forgive and free us from sin and its consequences, so He can dwell with us forever.

A. Jn 1:10  He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11  He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12  But as many as received Him, to them He gave the power to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth

B. Jn 11:27  She said to Him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ/Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world."

C. Mt 1:20...angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." 22  So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23  Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which is translated, "God with us." Isa 7:14
Mt 8:16 they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, 17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses." Isa 53

III. God's Plan is that all people can live in the light of His rule in their lives

A. Jn 1:16 of His fullness we have all received, grace for grace 17 For the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came thru Jesus Christ

B. Ps 26:3 Your hesed is before my eyes, I have walked in Your truth.  Ps 40: I have not concealed Your hesed and Your truth from the assembly
Mt 4:14  that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: 15 “...beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: 16  The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned. (Isa 9:2)" 17  From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

C. Jn 3:16 God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 

 Jn 12:46  "I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. Jn 10:10 life & abundantly

Isa 9:6  For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7  Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment
and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. 

D. Mt 12:17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah (42) the prophet, saying 18 My Servant whom I have chosen, My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased! I will put My Spirit upon Him, He will declare justice to the Gentiles 21 and in His name Gentiles will trust.
Ps 89:14  Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Hesed and truth go before Your face 15 Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your countenance 16  In Your name they rejoice all day long, in Your righteousness they are exalted
  
Mt 21:4  All this was done that it might be fulfilled spoken by the prophet: 5 Tell the daughter of Zion, `Behold, your King is coming to you,  He is just and having salvation,  Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt...6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them.  Zech 9:9

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. Why is it that some people “just don't get it”? If the Creator communicates, why don't His creatures understand?
2. Why does God use prophets, forerunners and witnesses and rejoicers in program? What kind of reception do they often get?
3. If Jesus offers both life and abundant life (Jn 10:10 20:31) why many who have life fail to experience the abundant life?
4. How do belief and obedience differ? Can we expereince the blessings of God without following the rule of God?
5. Is there anything you can do during the rest of this year to walk in the light and further God's purposes?