The Light of the World

Darkness.

So dark you can't see your hand in front of your face.

Dark like you are in a basement with no windows and the power just went out.

Dark like you are in an unfamiliar house trying to find your way around in the night.

Or darkness in your soul, darkness in your heart. Which way is up, which way is out?

Where does the darkness end, where can you get away from it?

And suddenly . . . light.

Not just a little glimmer. Not a flashlight, not a candle, not a crack through the door, not an opening in the curtains.

Real, true . . . light.

Light that fills every corner of the darkness. Light that fills your soul. Light that fills your heart.

Where the light exists, the darkness disappears. They cannot coexist. The light replaces the darkness. Darkness flees before the light.

I love the places in Scripture where Jesus describes Himself - I am the Way, the Truth, the Life; I am the Gate; I am the Good Shepherd. But my favorite is this: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). In case we missed it the first time, He says it again: "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness" (John 12:46).

Did you hear that?! There is no reason to walk in darkness. There is no reason to stay in darkness. In the presence of Jesus, the darkness is banished. In Him we have the light of life! Not only that, we are light. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden" (Matthew 5:14).

When we accept Him, Jesus gives His light to us. And in return, we are to reflect it to others. Reflect His light, His joy, His peace. Dispel the darkness.

What are you doing today to be light to the world?