The Light of Faith
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘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 NIV
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105
“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6
“…Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)… Ephesians 5:8-9
As much as I love fall, I always feel kind of sad this time of year to see the light fading just a little bit earlier every evening. Light seems to symbolize activity, growth, life and hope; darkness brings rest (a good thing) but is also associated with the unknown, sadness, fear and death. There are many references in the Bible to sinfulness as darkness. But because there is literal and figurative darkness in the world, we can rejoice in Jesus– the Light that won’t fade and can’t be extinguished! I’ve been studying verses about light; how the light of Jesus is imparted to us (God’s love and guidance, God’s Word), and how we are called to reflect this light to others (bearing fruit, witnessing). Especially given the darkness that seems to prevalent in the world today, we need to diligently keep our eyes, our focus and our whole hearts on the Light of the world!
“If Christ is the light, then it is our duty to follow him, to submit ourselves to his guidance, and in everything take directions from him. It is not enough to gaze upon this light. We must follow it, believe in it. And walk in it; for it is a light to our feet, not our eyes only. It is the happiness of those who follow Christ that they shall not walk in darkness. They shall have the light of life– that knowledge and enjoyment of God, which is spiritual life now, and everlasting life in the future.” Matthew Henry
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you so much for blessing us with your Light, that we need never walk in darkness. We love you! Amen.
Carolyn Rex