Daily Dose of the Word of God - John 8: 12

Justin Paul Lawrence, Executive Director

Transcript

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Welcome to Elmhurst CRC’s Daily Dose of the Word of God.  It’s Friday, November 14th, but Sunday is coming. I’m Justin Paul Lawrence.  Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, as we journey through the Bible this year with the spotlight on Jesus and with the Apostle John as our guide.   Here is John 8:12 

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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.”

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It is hard to understate how precious artificial light was to people in Jesus’ time. It is estimated that one hour of room illumination, which currently takes us three seconds of work, would have cost a week’s wages in the ancient near east. Light was a luxury. In this context, Jesus telling his followers that to follow him would mean that they would never walk in darkness was quite a welcome statement. Much like the feeding of the 5000, this signaled an abundance that was unprecedented. Light all the time? Never walk in darkness? How can he do this? Could this be the son of God? Now we live in an unimaginable abundance of light.  We worry more about light pollution than the lack of light - Just flip the switch. Still, like so many things in the gospels, this wasn’t exactly what Jesus was talking about. He’s offering the Light of Life, an illuminated life, an illuminated way to overcome the darkness, not only of the complicated political situation, but also over the darkness that sin has cast into their lives. And not just a temporary light, like a smoky olive oil lamp - a true, enduring light that can be counted on year after year. So next time you flip a switch or light an oil lamp - especially in any deep darkness, think about the light Jesus brings and the life that comes with it. True, enduring illumination that transforms lives. Even yours. 

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Let us pray. Jesus, you are the true light that has come into the world. You are the light of life. Help this light to shine into our lives to illuminate our darkness. And as we begin to reflect your light, set us up in places where we can bring your light to bring Glory to your name. Amen.