A few years ago, we took our children camping at Yellowstone National Park. After dark, we would take the kids to the ranger talks in the campground. There were no streetlights in the wilderness; it was so dark that you needed a lamp or small flashlight to find your way. The path was clear, but only if you had a light. With a light we easily found our way to our destination.
In our story Lazarus has become very ill and his sisters send a note to Jesus to come quickly. Finally, Jesus receives the note. 4 But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” 5 So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, 6 he stayed where he was for the next two days. 7 Finally, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.” 8 But his disciples objected. “Rabbi,” they said, “only a few days ago the people in Judea were trying to stone you. Are you going there again?” 9 Jesus replied, “There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. 10 But at night there is danger of stumbling because they have no light.”[1]
Earlier in John 8:12, Jesus spoke to the people telling them He was the light of the world. “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.” [2]
In the story, Jesus contrasts walking in the daylight verses stumbling in the dark. This happens not only in the physical world but in the spiritual world. The majority of the people in the world today are walking without the Light of Jesus to light their path. They walk around in life blinded to what life and eternity are all about. This blindness lets them choose to go through life apart from God. If a person does not repent and turn back to Jesus as their Savior, this dark path leads to hell. What a sobering thought.
With faith in Jesus as our Savior, we have the Light of World to guide our path through life and into eternity in heaven. It is a great adventure to let the Lord lead you, protect you, and mold you.
Where is the Lord calling you to follow His light no matter where it leads you? When we trust the Lord, He will transform us in ways only He could imagine.
Listen here to hear the whole story of Lazarus: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/journey-with-the-divine-intruder/the-divine-intruder-and-lazarus
[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (John 11:4–10, John 8:12). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.