“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (v12) John 8:12
Throughout Scripture, God is associated with light: the burning bush at Moses’ call (Exod. 3:3–4), the pillar of fire in the wilderness (Exod. 13:21). The psalmist spoke of God as light (Psa. 27:1), whilst the prophet promised, ‘The LORD shall be your everlasting light’ (Isa. 60:19) and spoke of the Messiah as light (Isa. 60:1). As a child, Simeon hailed Jesus as ‘a light to reveal God to the nations’ (Luke 2:32 NLT).
Light drives away our fears in the dead of night. It reveals things for what they truly are. It is the source of all life and we are reliant upon it, for our health, mental wellbeing and food.
So Jesus couldn’t have chosen a more critical element to illustrate how God is essential for our total welfare. When we are uncertain, we can seek God as a light source to show us the way forward. Like Moses, we may shrink back from God’s guiding light (Exod. 4:13), yet if we follow, albeit hesitantly, God will bring us into a greater appreciation of His love, even if we request some additional support (Exod. 4:15).
When I get lost through my own wilfulness or blinded by life experience, I can call out to the light of the world and recover my bearings. Obviously, I may only see a few feet in front of me, but that’s sufficient light to enable me to walk in the right direction. I can also have confidence that this is a light whose batteries never fail.
RELATED SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER: Gen. 1:1–5; Dan. 2:19–23; Matt. 5:14–16; James 1:12–18.
AN ACTION TO TAKE: Are there dark shadows where you need to invite God to shine His light and guide your way?
A PRAYER TO MAKE: ‘Lord, light up my life and turn my darkness into day. Amen.’ (Psa. 18:28)
Photo by Erica Nilsson on Unsplash
