Compare Job 24:17 with John 3:19-20 on darkness and light. Setting the Texts Side by Side “For to them, deep darkness is their morning; surely they are familiar with the terrors of deep darkness.” “And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.” Shared Themes: Darkness as Cover for Evil • Darkness operates as a comfortable environment for sin: – Job describes evildoers who greet “deep darkness” the way others greet dawn—because it hides them (cf. Job 24:13-16). – Jesus states that people “loved the darkness rather than the Light” because it conceals wicked works. • Darkness produces fear even for its lovers: – Job notes they are “familiar with the terrors of deep darkness”; what shields them also unnerves them. – John shows that hatred of Light is driven by dread of exposure; terror lies just beneath the surface. The Progression of Revelation • Old Testament observation: Job highlights the moral disorder of a fallen world where wrongdoers operate unchecked—yet their temporary shelter in darkness is framed as ultimately fearful. • New Testament fulfillment: John centers darkness-light imagery on Christ Himself: “The Light has come into the world” (v. 19). The issue is no longer merely social injustice but personal response to God’s incarnate Light. The Human Heart Exposed • Darkness reflects an inward condition (Proverbs 4:19). • Light exposes deeds and motives (1 Corinthians 4:5). • Preference determines destiny: choosing darkness keeps one under judgment (John 3:18), whereas stepping into Light leads to forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:7). Walking in the Light Today • Confess and forsake hidden sin (Psalm 32:5). • Saturate the mind with God’s Word, a lamp and light (Psalm 119:105). • Keep fellowship with believers who encourage transparency (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Actively reprove works of darkness rather than partner with them (Ephesians 5:11-13). • Remember identity: “You are all sons of light and sons of the day… not of darkness” (1 Thessalonians 5:5). Takeaway Truths • Darkness may look safe, but it is haunted by fear and judgment. • True Light has come; neutrality is impossible—love the Light or cling to the dark. • Stepping into Christ’s Light brings exposure, yes, but also cleansing, freedom, and joyful fellowship with God and His people. |
    |