On the streets of Athens a man once carried a lamp, in broad daylight, searching for one honest man. Diogenes lived in 4th century B.C. Greece. The sight of this strange man carrying a light in the day caused some people to pause and reflect on their life.
Jesus was called “the Light of men.” In fact, John says that, “In [Jesus] was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1.4-5).
Later Jesus would proclaim, “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 word “follow” literally means to walk behind. In Jesus’ day, a disciple would literally follow his rabbi to watch what he did and hear how he talked. He did this in order to start doing as his teacher did.
When you walk behind Jesus you’re following THE light – not just one carrying a light. When you pledge allegiance to the Christ and trust him with your whole life you discover that as He makes His home inside you that the Light of life is in you! The dark places are lit up and you see clearly who you are in relation to God.
A light in Jesus’ day was a small oil burning lamp. It’s amazing how bright a small flame is when light is absent.
“I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
Perhaps part of what we’re to understand as “the light of life” for us is:
-When the flame of Christ’s light burns in you, your soul is satisfied.
-When you hold it near your face, you see yourself as you truly are - beloved by God.
-When you hold the flame to your feet, it purifies like refiner’s fire as you confess failure.
-When you hold it out in front, it lights your path an guides decisions.
-When you hold it above you, it shines so others can see and be drawn to the “Light of the world.”
May the Lord God bless you as you walk in the light!
Pastor Brice
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