August 18, 2024 -- John 8:12 -- Jesus the Light of the World. Is He light in your life?

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

This contrast between light and darkness is a common motif in the Gospel of John. The very first chapter introduces this contrast between light and darkness. In Him, that is in Jesus, was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not understood it” (John 1:4-5). Darkness is the state of the heart and mind that does not know or obey Jesus. Many people know about Jesus. Many people claim to be followers of Jesus. Look at the fruit of their lives. Is there a change in their behavior, their words, their attitude? Can you tell by what they are devoting themselves to if they are truly walking in the light as Jesus is light?

According to Revelation 22 the New Heavens and the New Earth will not have sun or lamps because the Lord God is the light. There will be no more night, for the works of darkness and death are done. Jesus Who in the Gospel of John made the claim He is the Light of Life will in the New Heavens and New Earth by the Light and Glory of His presence be fully revealed and proven true and accurate and faithful through-out all of eternity.

Those who both know Jesus as their salvation and walk in the light, that is bring their lives into obedient submission to Him are described as having the light of life. The light and blessing of Jesus shines out from the words and actions of their life. People around them know they are Christians because the light and life of Jesus is evident in the believer’s confident trust in Jesus. Non-Christians howl at the claims of Jesus, like those whose eyes adjusted to deep darkness suddenly have bright light shining into them. The light is something they shield their eyes and faces against. They do not want the pain of the light.

Believers in Jesus Christ experience what is promised in Psalm 37. The presence of Jesus within them is the like the light of dawn that breaks and increases in their life until it is like the noon day sun (Psalm 37:6). Until Jesus returns at the Day of Judgment believers will wrestle the darkness that still lingers within them. They will face challenges, like getting themself to go to church, or spending time worshiping God. It is common. So, fight the darkness that is within. Pray for the Spirit of God to dispel the darkness so that the joy of Christ and His light will shine out in every area of your life. Encourage those around you who are struggling. Jesus, only Jesus, has the light of life. Seek Him.

O LORD You are my Light and my Salvation. Oh LORD, You are the stronghold of my life, of whom then shall I be afraid? One thing I ask of You, O LORD, and it is what I will chase after with all my strength, that I may spend my life in the Presence of the LORD all the days of my life. With the psalmist David, Whom You called a man after Your Own heart, I want to gaze on Your beauty my LORD and spend my life inquiring of You so that Your Spirit will lead me into ever fuller light for the rest of my days. Though I face troubles and enemies within me and around me, I believe I will glimpse at and with increasing frequency will see Your goodness, LORD, shining as light into every area of my life. Amen.
Prayer is based on Psalm 27

https://youtu.be/e2qzxY5a37o?si=R2RRnH2OUrP7qtJf “In the Light”

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