THE LIGHT OF CHRIST – CHRIST IS THE LIGHT
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow Me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
John 8:12 (NLT)
It’s 2 o’clock in the morning and, unfortunately, you’re awake. Nature calls and refuses to leave a voicemail. You don’t want to turn on the light, so you shuffle with outstretched arms to the bathroom. After you’re done, you shuffle back to your bed, only to bang your shin against the metal frame. Now it’s 2:01 am, your shin is on fire and you’re more awake than ever.
We’ve all experienced this scenario or something remarkably like it (author’s note: I’m usually tripping over my wife’s clothes or shoes). This may be a humorous—and infuriating—example of how walking where you can’t see makes life harder, but it doesn’t take much imagination to relate this story to life, and how walking in darkness can have consequences we’d rather not experience.
The darkness you’re facing can take many forms. The obvious example is Satan and the demonic realm, wanting to steal, kill and destroy. There’s also the world, constantly corrupting and seeming to grow darker with each passing day. But your darkness may feel more personal, more intimate. Maybe it’s a past mistake that still has consequences to this day. Perhaps it’s an illness, a broken or lost relationship, a boss who’s making your life miserable or the voice keeping you from experiencing victory. Jesus defeated all darkness on the cross and wants to shine light on all these areas and so much more.
Read the first two words of John 8:12 again: Jesus spoke. How often do we take for granted the reality that God is among us, active, working and speaking? Jesus didn’t come to earth as a silent observer or a wrathful judge but as a light to repel darkness. He came to share that light with you! He loves you, wants to lead and guide you and will take you step by step into a full and abundant life that you never knew could be possible. He is the light of the world, so it all starts with Him illuminating the darkness.
APPLICATION: Take a moment to identify the darkness you’re facing. What’s an area of your life that needs the light only Jesus can provide?
- If you’ve accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, this darkness may be sin, and you need to repent. It may be a relationship that’s darkening your life and heart. Or it may be something beyond your control that you need to entrust to Jesus. Take time to do that now and ask for Jesus’ guidance on how to move forward.
- If you haven’t accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, the darkness you need to face is your sin. Christ came to Earth, lived a perfect life, died for the sin that separates you from Him and rose from the grave so you can live a new life today. That new life, a life with God at the center, can begin today. If you have questions, concerns or just need to talk to someone, please contact us. We’d love to talk with you!
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for being light. I don’t want to stumble in the dark. Instead, I want to walk the path You have for me, step by step, listening to Your voice and obeying Your direction. Lead me and give me a heart that seeks You!
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?