Light

“Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

I have been reminded a few times lately about light. And, as usual, God has a message for me and us about light. I was at a basketball game recently and they were preparing to introduce the players. The visiting starters were introduced first and then it was time for the home team starters. I had just gotten back from the concession stand, going up the bleacher steps, when, suddenly, the gym lights went completely out! They do this to introduce the home team players, shining a spotlight on them. It was totally dark in the gym and I had to stop until I had some light to see where I was going. Then, after the players were introduced, the lights quickly came back on and the gym was filled with wonderful light. I really appreciated the light and thought of Jesus, the light of the world!

That night, I was listening to some old Christian songs and came upon Don Francisco’s song, “He’s Alive”, which has this lyric, “Light that came from everywhere drove shadows from the room.” That happened when the resurrected Jesus appeared to Peter in the dimly lit room. Jesus brought light to dispel the darkness in Peter who had denied Him. He restored Peter and He’s still alive and will come to dispel the darkness of our past.

Another idea of light is how powerful it is when small lights come together. Think of a darkened auditorium and one person turns on their phone light. Hardly anyone would notice. But what happens when hundreds of people there shine their phone lights too. Big difference! We are the light of the world. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14). However, one person shining their “light of the Spirit” in public or online can make a big difference too. So, our challenge today is for us to be sure our light is powered up by the Word and shining so those in darkness will be drawn to it. SHINE!