The road home was blanketed by fog, obscuring the way ahead. Terrified, I pleaded with the Lord to send me something to follow. Suddenly, a huge lorry pulled out of a sideroad with a rope of red lights framing its back doors. Piercing the fog, the bright lights seemed to call out, “Follow me”. And, for the next eight miles, I fixed my eyes firmly on those guiding lights and travelled safely through.
Light is essential for surviving the dark. But Jesus’ words during the Feast of Tabernacles have nothing to do with night-time, fog or even the despairing darkness of life’s difficulties. He said that He is “the light of the world,” and that “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). In this He spoke of the darkness that blinds us to God and keeps us from all He has for us. Sin, selfishness and even accusing anger towards God causes darkness, something that only Jesus’ light can disperse. Thankfully, Jesus didn’t set a riddle for His listeners, or us, to obtain it. He simply declares Himself the light and invites us to follow Him on a life-path on which darkness cannot intrude.
Jesus knows how difficult life is, which is why He meets us where we are and calls, “Follow Me!” Let’s fix our eyes on the light Jesus gives. He knows the way through the darkness.
By Catherine Campbell
REFLECT & PRAY
How might circumstances obscure your relationship with God? In what way can Jesus—the Light of the world—help you find the way through?
Thank You Jesus, that You are the Light that can pierce any darkness in my life. Teach me to focus on You and Your Word.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The gospel records fall into two categories: the Synoptic Gospels and the gospel of John. The “Synoptics,” which means “with a common view,” are Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Although they offer varying details to help them tell the story of Jesus in a unique way, they still have a common perspective because they often tell the same stories. John’s gospel is very distinct from the Synoptics, containing 92 percent unique material. One distinctive of John’s gospel is the emphasis on themes of light and truth. John expresses the reality that Jesus is the embodiment of truth and light.
Bill Crowder
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