Light of Life

“Again Jesus spoke to them saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12

Physical life would be impossible without light. Light is the sole source of food generation for all living organisms on earth. Practically every living being depends on light for food and energy. Plants depend on sunlight for their food, animals depend on plants, and humans depend on plants and animals for food. Besides being necessary for food production, we need light to see, recognize colors, and maintain a livable temperature. Light evaporates water to provide the rain that we need and the water we drink. The earth needs light to survive physically, and every person living on this earth needs The Light to survive spiritually.

“I am the light of the world,” Jesus said…and boy was He right! This world is a dark place, isn’t it? I’m an optimist, but it’s hard to watch the news every day and not be overcome with fear, anxiety, and anger over what has happened, is happening, or might happen in the days to come. War, natural disaster, racism, deceit, school shootings, terrorism, sickness, political unrest, and greed…the list goes on and on. I honestly don’t know how people without the hope of Jesus handle it all. While we live among the darkness, as Christ followers, we do not have to be consumed by it. We aren’t consumed because we don’t just see the Light, we know the Light – personally. He lives in us, igniting our hearts so that we can shine bright in the darkness.

We have Jesus, the light of life according to John 8:12. Amid all the death and destruction, pain and hopelessness, He gives hope. He brings comfort and contentment. The truth of the Gospel is life-giving. It is the answer to all this madness. The Gospel restores what sin has broken. When we choose to believe it and follow Jesus, we receive His light. We receive His life. We receive His salvation.

Jesus, thank You so much for giving me the light of life. Please help me to always remember that I do not have to walk in darkness. I have the light of Your presence so that I am never alone and never without hope. Please use me to shine Your love and salvation into the lives of everyone I meet. In Your name I pray, Amen.