He Who Enlightens the World

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn't overcome it."  - John 1:15

Bob Woods, in Pulpit Digest, tells the story of a couple who took their son, 11, and daughter, 7, to Carlsbad Caverns. As always, when the tour reached the deepest point in the cavern, the guide turned off all the lights to dramatize how completely dark and silent it is below the earth’s surface.

The little girl, suddenly enveloped in utter darkness, was frightened and began to cry. Immediately was heard the voice of her brother: “Don’t cry. Somebody here knows how to turn on the lights.”

In essence, that's the message of the gospel, isn't it? Light is available, even when darkness seems overwhelming. Just as the sun lights the entire world; Christ is the Light of the world (John 8:12). Imagine the deepest, dark there is. That's what this world would be like without the sun, and similarly without Jesus.

He brought light into this world. We were stumbling and groping about aimlessly before Him. Like men trapped underground, deprived of sunlight, we wallowed around in our sin.

Then, one day we caught a glint of light far off in the distance. Slowly turning from our sin, we laboriously made our way towards it, It isn't easy to pull away from sin. Sin has a very powerful grip.

But the Light of God has a stronger influence. We're drawn to it like moths to a flame. But we're not drawn to our doom. Instead, we are brought to immeasurable, unlimited blessing!

Whoever is willing to receive that light is free to do so. Everyone who follows Christ will not walk in darkness. This includes those who are blind, and even those who hate the light. Everyone! For Christ is the Light of God.

No one who follows Christ will be left without the necessary truths to keep them from destructive missteps, and guidance in what ought to be done in order to keep them separated from condemning sin. As one sun illuminates the whole world, so does Christ enlighten us; and nothing else is needed.

Scripture: Romans 1:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Mark 16:15; 1 Corinthians 11:1-2; John 8:24

Prayer: Dear Father, You are the light of my heart, my soul, and my life. I give You my prayers and praise for the many blessings with which You have provided me. Thank you, Holy Father. Amen

God bless you!

Valerie