The Light of Life

“Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, ‘I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.’”

John 8:12 The Amplified Study Bible

We’ve all experienced it…

When the lights go off unexpectedly at night, and we’re stuck in a dark, dingy, or pitch-black room. We struggle to make out anything in the dark, as our eyes try to adjust to our surroundings.

The darkness represents living in and being a part of the world, where the deeds of darkness (death, sin, shame, and guilt) reign.

But when we fumble about and switch on our flashlight or mobile phone light, the darkness immediately knows its place. It doesn’t linger or take its time to recede—no, it instantly diminishes as the light turns on, and we can see what’s surrounding us.

In this passage, Jesus calls Himself the Light of the world and the Light of Life. And it is the light of His presence, His Spirit, that draws us to Himself.

David writes in Psalm 139:7-12 (NIV)

“Where can I go from your Spirit?   

Where can I flee from your presence?

If I go up to the heavens, you are there;    

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,    

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

even there your hand will guide me,    

your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me    

and the light become night around me,”

even the darkness will not be dark to you;    

the night will shine like the day,    

for darkness is as light to you.”

When we believe in Jesus Christ and choose to follow Him and His Ways, we are adopted into His family of light, ceasing to be children of darkness, sin, and death. This means forsaking our deeds of darkness, once and for all, and allowing the light of Jesus to change us forever.

What else occurs in this great exchange?

Jesus also removes our cloak of shame and guilt, entrapping us in our sins and gives us a new cloak—our new selves—a cloak of adoption and His gift of righteousness.

We become His Children of light as we walk with Him and discover the freedom and light of His love, protection, and grace.

Jesus not only offers us His Light (His gift of salvation) but then calls us to live as His vessels of light—shining Him and bringing His splendour wherever we go.

Is darkness surrounding you or encroaching at your door today, dear friend?

When the Light of the World surrounds you, and lives within you, there is nothing to fear or dread.

If you do not know Him as your Saviour yet, allow His light into your heart today, and invite Him to be the Lord of your life (there's a prayer especially for you below!). Let Him and His eternal, radiant love and light into your life. He loves you far beyond your comprehension.

As Christ-followers, if you’re feeling like your lamp is shining a little less bright today or that the darkness surrounding you may suffocate you at any moment, do not be afraid, dear friend. Shift your gaze again to your beloved Saviour and King, Jesus Christ, surrendering every part of yourself to His light.

His light doesn’t judge us or condemn us or punish us. His light convicts and brings new and fresh revelation. His light is far greater than the darkness we see or may feel. His light wraps us in His eternal love, bringing restoration, renewal, and healing to our hearts.

May He shine into every corner of your heart, mind, and soul today as you receive His gift of light, hope, and eternal peace in the radiant, everlasting glow of His magnificent presence.

The eternal Light of Life, Jesus Christ, is with you now and always. He will never leave you in the darkness.

For those who want to leave the deeds of darkness, shame, and guilt once and for all... let's pray together, dearest friend:

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you for showing me that You are the Light of the World.

Forgive me for living in the world, in the deeds of darkness—forgive me for all my sins (confess these as you are led, in your own words). Thank you for sacrificing Yourself on the cross for me and for defeating death by rising from the grave, so I can live in freedom and in the light of the Father's Love. I receive Your great love, grace, and forgiveness for me now.

Lord Jesus, I surrender my life to You. Come, and be Lord of my life. I yield every part of me to Your healing light. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit.

In Jesus' Name, Amen!