God’s Light

In the first nine verses of John chapter 1 you will find the word Light mentioned seven times. John is referring to Christ as the Light. And in John 8:12, Jesus said clearly, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

Light is attractive. Whether it’s Christmas lights, a beacon light, street lights, stage lights, sunlight, or lamps in our homes, we gravitate toward the light. So why doesn’t everyone come to Jesus, the Light of the World? Well, the Bible gives us the answer. John 3:19: “The light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” How sad is that?

I used to be confused because Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world,” and then at another time He said, “You are the light of the world.” But maybe this makes it clearer. In John 9:5, Jesus said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Now that He is no longer here in a physical body, we are His body. We are the light because of His Spirit living in us and shining through us. What a privilege! What a responsibility! How are you doing? Are people attracted to the Light that radiates through you?

Sometimes we let fear or anxiety get in the way. They hinder the light from shining brightly. Remember the little chorus we used to sing? “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” One verse asked the question, “Hide it under a bushel?” And we answered loudly, “No!” That idea came from Matthew 5:14-16: “A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”When our family was traveling and recording (back when the children were young), we sang a song which I wrote, featuring the words of Philippians 2:14-15: “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…” I thought you might enjoy taking a trip down memory lane with me and hearing the song again. Can you relate to the challenge that is so relevant in our world today?

“We Are God’s Children ” from “Listen”