In the previous two devotions we highlighted some of the false systems, movements, thinkers, and freedoms that make up the dark side of our world. But as dark as they may be we are fortunate that there is still hope for all those who have found the one true light source in the universe – Jesus Christ.
For we read in (John 8:12): “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” Jesus indeed is the Creator of wonderful possibilities, hope, beauty and meaning.
Before we examine this concept of Jesus being the light of the world let’s remember that this is only one of seven amazing “I am” statements about Jesus that can be found in the Gospel of John. The other six are:
“I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35). Just as physical bread satisfies and sustains our cravings and physical life so Jesus satisfies and sustains our spiritual life and supplies us with deep and abiding joy throughout life. Just as bread satisfies our hunger so Jesus, the true bread of life, satisfies our soul.
“I am the door of the sheep.” (John 10:7) This is a fabulous verse that basically says that we have entered into God’s people through the door of Jesus. And now that Jesus is our shepherd he protects us just as a shepherd protects their flocks from evil doers.
“I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11). Jesus is such a good shepherd that we see in the second part of (John 10:11) that: “The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” Jesus loves us so much that He was willing to die for us that we could have life, and life more abundantly – not to mention eternal life! As our good shepherd Jesus is committed to loving, caring, and watching over us at all times.
“I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25). For those of us who know Jesus though we may die, we shall live. Death, which sounds so final, is not the final word for those of us in Christ. We one day will be resurrected from the grave to spend an eternity of joy and bliss with Jesus – what an awesome thought!
“I am the true vine.” (John 15:1). We all know that a branch can’t survive if it isn’t connected to the vine, nor can we survive spiritually if we are not connected to Jesus. If we are not connected to Jesus we will shrivel up spiritually. When Christ lives in us, His life flows in and through us. As a result, we are able to bear much good fruit and thus bring glory to God – what a marvelous privilege!
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6). Jesus is the only source of real truth and meaning in the universe. He is the only way to the Father, to meaning, and to life. There is no true knowledge of God apart from Jesus. And when we know Jesus we can walk in the brilliant light that only He can provide.
And this brings us back to the statement that Jesus said: “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12). Sadly, our world is lost in darkness. But the good news is that Jesus lights up the world with His unending love, incredible compassion, and His marvelous sacrifice at Calvary for you and me. (Psalm 119:105) tells us: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” And since Jesus is the Word, He guarantees us to be the light to our path on earth. Jesus also provides us with the spiritual light we need to avoid the sin and destruction so many people fall prey to. Instead, Jesus as He walks with us and in us, promises us joy and peace in abundance. When we face trials, Jesus feels our pain and supplies us His strength to get through them.
Our hopeless situations find hope in Jesus since His light can breakup even the darkest clouds of doubt and despair. His light can help us see beauty in tragedy and find meaning in even the darkest of circumstances. And praise God His light offers us hope when all seems lost. For even a terminal illness is only temporary in the eternal scheme of things to Jesus.
And don’t forget when we finally end our journey here on earth and God calls us to our eternal home all darkness will be forever banished for the light of Jesus will light up the sky for the lamb of God will become the lamp of God. For we read of that wonderful day when the sun will no longer be needed to supply light and night will be no more: “I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.” (Revelation 21:22-25).