He was the source of life - John 1:4,5

He was the source of life - John 1:4,5

It's really all in the translation, isn't it. My title is derived from the 'God's Word' translation. Whether it is true of the context or not, it is a true statement. But, how do you, the casual reader know that? Sadly, most do not.

John 1:4-5 NASB In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5) The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

• " In Him was life." - Life is the Greek word zōē / dzo-ay'. From G2198; life (literally or figuratively): - life (-time). Strong's number G2198 is zaō / dzah'-o and means to live.
  Vines NT words - 1. zoe (G2222) (Eng., "zoo," "zoology") is used in the NT "of life as a principle, life in the absolute sense, life as God has it, that which the Father has in Himself, and which He gave to the Incarnate Son to have in Himself, John 5:26, and which the Son manifested in the world, 1John 1:2.
  In Christ/God was life, but do we grasp the depth of that life. It is in Him, a part of Him, and He gave us life. How is that possible when we breath and walk? Perhaps we don't understand what life is. Obviously, it is something more than the simple concepts we have. Perhaps, this idea of life demands our attention.
  As I noted, the "God's Word" translation uses a different word, however, that term closes the door to our idea that there are other options in the world.
  John 1:4 GW He was the source of life, and that life was the light for humanity.
  He has not stopped being the source of life, and, there is no life found in anything else, I have looked. Now, the real question is, what does life mean to you? My central focus has become the life associated with the promise of an eternity with Him. Mind you, I can never say that without thinking about the daily garbage that I have to go through, and how I have no idea of what peace feels like. How I long to experience that and feel the love associated with that life.

• “and the life was the Light of men.” -
  The Greek word for light is phōs / foce. From an obsolete φάω phaō (to shine or make manifest, especially by rays; compare G5316 and G5346); luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative): - fire, light.
  This is the root of our word phosphorus. Many of you are familiar with “white phosphorus,” a chemical combination that is unfortunately often used in warfare. It has the capabilities of not only lighting up the night, but it also kills.
  Consider how when Moses wanted to see God he was only allowed to see His backside as He passed by. Why is that? Because, as God responded, no man can see God and live. Have you ever given that backside aspect any thought? Do you think it might be because God is pure energy, not so dissimilar to nuclear fusion, and we know how productive and yet deadly nuclear energy can be?
  So I have to put this into a practical perspective. If I only have one option in which to obtain life, then I am going to pursue that option. But there is an added dimension, the life, gives light, and, is once again, the only option out there.
  Again I am asking, what does the light look like?
  Many would try to tell me that this means you evangelize people. So, you think sending me to the plains of Nairobi is mandatory, when half the people I meet in a church have no lights on either.
  What if the light is something that outshines the darkness in me, around me, and comes out of me? That would be outstanding, there again, though, we cannot tell by interacting with most people if they even have the lights on.
  Is it possible that the light is available, and will shine through those who choose to receive it? Absolutely. Everything we do in this life is a choice, up to and including the decision to spend our lives with the Father.

• “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”
  
  The fact that the light shines should not seem like a strange concept; that is what light does, but what happens when the darkness does not want the light anywhere near it? The darkness was initially speaking of Israel - the Jews, and the light, in this case, was Jesus who came as the Messiah and walked among them. But, we can quickly expand the darkness to include everyone nowadays. This inclusion of those outside of Judaism is not a stretch, for we as Gentiles become grafted into the vine when we accept Christ into our lives.
  While there is no doubt that Jesus spoke in mysteries, but Jews, being knowledgeable about the Torah and Tenach should have known exactly what He was talking about, and so should you.
  Two verses stand out for me. The first is Colossians 1:13 which tells us that we have been rescued from the darkness. Removed from the darkness, we then must be standing in the light.

  Colossians 1:13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,

  The other is Thessalonians 5:4. I use this passage on people who seem to feel that we cannot understand the end times. This particular passage is one that demonstrates that a belief like that is a fallacy. Sadly, I can tell you that most still choose to remain in the darkness.

  1Thessalonians 5:4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief;

  The act of moving out of the darkness into the light is simple really. You merely have to relinquish control of your life over to God and accept the life that He gives. All this was done for you on the Cross, and, if you will receive it, it would have been done for you if you were the only one.