November 18, 2023 -- John 8:12 -- Jesus the Light of the World

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying,
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 ESV

When you read Scripture each day, then your awareness of how the various images and themes of the Bible link together grows. The significance of Jesus’ words are easily lost, unless you know your Old Testament. On the first day of creation God created light. There was light in the creation before the creation of sun, moon and stars. On the third day of creation, the LORD our God created seed bearing plants, and fruit trees and all kinds of vegetation. Remember, vegetation was created before there were sun and moon and stars. God Himself was the light of the world.

One beautiful passage that links light with the LORD is Psalm 27. The LORD is my light and my salvation (Psalm 27:1). He is Light. His Presence illuminates all of life so that sinfulness is exposed and His righteousness is revealed. He is the light that guides believers. He is the light which reveals how dark the darkness of sin is. No wonder then, when Jesus stood up in Jerusalem at the Feast of Booths and declared Himself the Light of the World, people took notice. No doubt there’d be people at the feast who knew their Old Testament and the implications of what He was saying.

When Saul was on the road to Damascus he encountered a light from heaven (Acts 9:4). The brilliance of this light threw him to the ground. It was the light of conversion. It was the light of Christ. As believers today, we know Jesus is the Light of Life. He is the constant source of spiritual illumination. He is the constant source of life in us that allows us to be brought to the Father. The gift of God the Spirit enables us to receive Jesus as the Light of Life.

Oh LORD You are my Light and my Salvation; whom shall I fear?
You, Oh LORD, are the Stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?
With the Psalmist David I pray, “let me gaze on Your beauty all the days of my life”.
Triune God of Glory, by Your Spirit lead me in Jesus the Light of Life. Amen.

https://youtu.be/D7E0jM0F3M8?si=epDObPQM2bzsFm4d “Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light”

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