One of my early favorite verses was John 1:5, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” That’s from the NIV. Later I read the NASB translation, “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it.” To me, that translation was disappointing; it didn’t capture the majesty and victorious power of God as did the NIV. However, that NASB wording has taken on new meaning to me.

God is multi-dimensional, somehow able to be both perfectly just and perfectly merciful, both the timeless creator of the infinite universe and personally loving, both the Almighty and the humble servant who willingly died on a cross. It’s hard for our little minds to comprehend how He can be so eternally multi-dimensional. He is more than I could ever say or understand. In sending His son Jesus to be His Word to us, He gave us a way to better comprehend Him, to behold Him.

Now I better appreciate the translation that says “the darkness has not understood it.” I’m getting a glimpse that this is also meaningful, because the darkness is not eternal, sovereign, omniscient, not God’s equal in any way, also limited like me, but even more so because it is not willing to worship God and allow Him to teach it who He is. I can’t know God without seeking after Him, abiding in Him, loving Him, walking with Him. As I do those things, I know Him more, and the darkness refuses to do that, not to its power, but to its detriment.

Thank you Jesus for inviting me into your life and light, that you are knowable, the hands and feet and face of God who invites me to walk with you and get to know you.