By David ReayThursday 11 Feb 2016LifeWords DevotionalsFaithReading Time: 0 minutes
Transcript:
Read John 8:12
12 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.” (NLT)
Light functions in different ways. Let’s imagine we have a sudden blackout. A torch will let me get safely to the electricity box to check what is wrong. Then when I get to the box, that same torchlight will illuminate the meters and let me see what is really going on. And in an odd sort of way it has a third function: it actually shows up the darkness, highlighting just how dark it is.
When Jesus claimed to be the light of the world, he was claiming these sorts of functions for himself. Jesus, as light, shows us the way forward to where we need to be. He is like a speaking signpost showing us the way to right relationship with God. And in daily life, he shows us the way forward so we can avoid tripping and stumbling by taking the wrong path.
And then he functions as light by illuminating another object: this time it is God himself. Jesus shines a spotlight on God, showing us what he is like. He is God expressing himself in a language human beings can understand.
Jesus, as light of the world, also shows up the darkness of the world. Those who love darkness hate the light. When a truly good person appears on the scene, he or she shows up real evil. Which is just what Jesus did, and why he was put to death.
Helen Keller was reported to have been asked if being blind was the worst thing in the world. She replied it wasn’t half as bad as having perfect eyesight and yet seeing nothing.
Blessings
David Reay