I
AM – The Light of The World
You’re camping alone in an inky-black forest. Bushes
rattle nearby, tree limbs break! Your heart’s in your throat! What is thrashing
around out there in the darkness? Oh, for a campfire to drive the wild things away!
Light is sometimes the difference between
life and death physically. Light is always the difference between life
and death spiritually.
Got Light?
Jesus reveals himself as the only true light to men
stumbling in life’s dark jungles.
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great
light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
The Bible further states, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact
representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After
he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the
Majesty in heaven.” Isaiah 9:2; Hebrews 1:3
“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
Jesus’ claim is incredible! He states he is the
light, the radiance of God’s own glory, the purification for sin. He
promises spiritual life. Who wouldn’t want what he offers?
Why Don’t We Choose Jesus’ Light?
We don’t choose light for two reasons. Men’s minds
have been blinded to truth and light by the authors of evil, Satan and his
demons.
“The god of this age has blinded the minds of
unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of
Christ, who is the image of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:4
And we actually love darkness because darkness
covers our sins. We’d rather keep on sinning than come to the light and find
safety and forgiveness in Christ. When we choose darkness instead of repentance
and light we are choosing death instead of life. Only his holy fire can drive
our wild sins away.
“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world,
but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” 2
Corinthians 4:4; John 3:19
Sin
is the enemy thrashing around in our darkness. We are in a life and death
battle. Evil is the ultimate heart attack-er. There
is only one source of help. His name is Jesus, the Light-being. If we will ask
him, he will rush to our aid with his fire and light and set us free.
Jesus
comes when we choose to turn “from darkness to light, and from the power of
Satan to God, so that (we) may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among
those who are sanctified by faith….” Acts 26:18
Light of the world, flood the eyes of my heart with light. Free me from the enemy of my soul. Come with your holy fire and drive away my wild things, my sins. Make me a child of light. Amen.
Petey Prater writes from Beaverton, OR. peteyprater@yahoo.com