Have you ever fallen in the dark or found it difficult to find your way? As people, we love the light. We enjoy sunny days that lift our spirits and make everything better. We have many expressions about light versus darkness and the light is always positive. In addition, we feel safer in a strange area in the light. It is easy to stumble and fall when walking in the dark. Good deeds are said to be done in the light while evil is done in the darkness.
The Apostle John, known as the beloved disciple, uses this imagery of light and dark throughout his Gospel. In the opening lines Jesus is described as the light. John 1:4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. [1]
Jesus is our Light
In a spiritual sense, without a relationship with Jesus as our Savior, we are walking in the darkness of the world. I had a friend that came to faith as an adult and he indicated it was like walking around in the dark before he met Jesus. The world and its ways look great in the dark, but when the light is shown on them, they don’t look as good.
My priorities changed as I grew in faith. What I used to think was important was important no longer. Why the change? It was the light and wisdom of Jesus that revealed the value of what I was chasing. Much of what the world tells us is good is revealed for what it is when Jesus opens our eyes. It is easy to fall into a trap in the dark, but we can avoid it in the light.
Later in the Gospel of John, Jesus calls Himself the Light of the World. John 8:12Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “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]
Prayer for Light
Dear Jesus, please open my eyes further to the truth of what is right and what is wrong. Open my eyes so that I can see with truth and righteousness. Open my eyes so that I will know when someone evil is standing before me, that I may be protected with discernment. Open my eyes to know when I am doing something wrong. Open my eyes to know what to do. The whole world is falling apart and losing the ability to discern between truth and lies. Let me be apart from them, and know what is right, and what is wrong. Reveal your word to me Jesus. Thank you, Amen![3]
To hear more of the beloved disciple’s encounter with Jesus, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/encountering-jesus-with-the-beloved-disciple
[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.