And It Was Night - John 13:30

      I was reading John 13:21-30 today when Jesus identifies Judas as the one who will betray him.  But what caught my attention were John's last words in vs. 30  "So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out.  And it was night."

     Interesting choice of words.  Just as Judas heads out for the final stage of Jesus' betrayal, John states it was night.  Was he just giving us an update for the timeline of events.  Perhaps.  But I think it also speaks of the darkness that was beginning at that moment.  Up to that point they had been merry and enjoying a feast despite Jesus' warnings of what was ahead (John 10:11,17-18, 12:27-33).  But now, one of them has left and gone to betray Jesus.  It seems that John was the only one who knew it (13:25-26).  A darkness and nervousness must have fallen on them in that moment.  What would happen?  Although the darkness had descended and the coming days would be horrible for Jesus, in fact the whole trinity and for the disciples, it wouldn't last long.  With the Resurrection just three days later, Ascension and the coming of Holy Spirit, Light would be returned to the world once again as the Spirit of Jesus filled all those who believed.  His works would continue, still continue today.  His work to bring His Kingdom to the earth "as it is in Heaven".  

     We have the awesome privilege to be part of his 'Heaven to Earth' project.  It was always his plan for us to be given His Spirit in order to do just that.  To be brought into Trinitarian Fellowship and catch the vision for God's Mission!  Every time we love, every time we bring justice to an unjust situation, every time we show compassion and tenderness to those hard to love, every time we share a word of hope and encouragement to the down and out; we are joining in His plan to bring Heaven to Earth.  A place that would be filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

     Perhaps your recent days have been filled with darkness. Hear the good news, Jesus is Risen!  His Spirit is available to you to chase away that darkness!  The Light of the World is shining brightly in the earth today!  Look up to Heaven from where your help comes from!  And turn to your brother or sister in Christ and share your burdens that you may once again see the Light of Christ active in your heart and mind!!  We all need some one else sometimes to lift off the blinders of darkness and reveal again the Light of the World to us!  Don't stay isolated in your darkness, Christ died and raised again for your freedom that you may walk in the Light!!!  He did it for YOU!  

"...the people dwelling in darkness

have seen a great light,

and for those dwelling in the region

and shadow of death,

on them a light has dawned." Matt. 4:16