The Light Of The World

John 8:12-20

I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life. (John 8:12)

JESUS TOLD HIS FOLLOWERS THEY were the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). Of course, we don’t generate our own light; we were drawn to his light when we came out of darkness by responding to him by faith. We hardly knew how to shine on our own. But somewhere along the way, if we were observant, we learned a valuable truth: that we grow brighter simply by being around him. Like the glow-in-the-dark stickers many of us used to play with as children, we absorb the real source of light by being close to it. Our exposure to the light develops a shine in us that lasts even when darkness comes.

That’s why Isaiah foretold the people of God rising with his light shining on them (Isaiah 60:1-3) and Peter wrote of the Morning Star shining in our hearts (2 Peter 1:19). Something profound happens to us when we allow ourselves to soak in the presence of God. We become reflectors of the true source, like a moon glowing from its sun and illuminating the way for those in the darkest nights. We receive vision in the light of God, and we are sent out to share our vision with the rest of the world. We become carriers of hope, ambassadors of the promises of God, signs of the wonders he is working. Jesus, the Light of the World, replicated himself in the lives of those who believe. The Light ignited millions of lights to follow him.

Live as a light—not as the source, but as a reflector of the true image of God. Shine with hope, promise, and purpose, always pointing the way into eternal truth. Radiate the nature of the Son, who in turn radiated the nature of the Father and the Spirit. Fill the lives of those around you with glimmers of eternity, sparks of anticipation of the goodness of God. Let your words, actions, and attitudes shine with life.

{Jesus, your light has flooded my soul, and I’m not sure others see it in me. Let me live with the hope of your promise and the radiance of your glory. Brighten the flame in this very earthen lamp for many to see. Amen.