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Jesus is the Light of the World
Jesus is the Light of the World
John writes much concerning Jesus as the light. "This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. “For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed" (John 3:19–20). "Jesus was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (1:4-5). Jesus was "the true light, which gives light to everyone" (1:9). "Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life" (John 8:12). Again He said: "I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness" (John 12:46).
Thus, Jesus burst as a great light into a world of darkness. But, isn't the world is becoming more and more wicked? Really? Is it really worse than the days of Noah? Is it really worse than the period of the Judges? It is MY first (and only) time to experience this world, so with such limited exposure, I acknowledge that my judgment is highly subjective. It doesn't really matter; for this is the world I live in and is thus the world I must deal with.
I have contributed my own darkness to this world. I early learned to turn from the light of God's righteousness and walk in paths of unrighteousness. I remember how 'enlightened' I thought I was and how foolish were those who claimed to believe in Jesus. NOW, I look back with chagrin and shame.
The message of the gospel of Jesus is to turn people from darkness. Jesus said to Paul: "I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ (Acts 26:18). Believers are translated out of the power of darkness and into the kingdom of God. (Col. 1:13). We are "children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness" (1Thess. 5:5). We are to be as 'shining lights in a world of darkness". We are now to be a lights set upon a hill (Matt. 5:14-16).
Yet, we live "in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Phil. 2:15). Let us not be surprised or discouraged that the world of darkness responds negatively to us. Our message may be met with scoffing and hatred, but yet we must shine on. We are not responsible for changing the world, we are to hold forth the light.
How bright is your light?
Hugh DeLong
