Pastor’s Corner: “Light it Up!”
John 8:12 (NLT) – Jesus, the Light of the World – 12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
“When he came, there was no light. When he died, there was no darkness.”
People were imprisoned by darkness that gripped their minds and hearts. It cast a shadow over their lives that could be felt in relationships, thoughts, and emotions. This darkness bound them with sin and disease, fear and depression, broken relationships and financial problems. It opened them up to demonic forces and deception, and caused them to place their hope in the pleasures and rewards of this world. People who live in darkness are so accustomed to it that it seems normal—the only way to live.
But everything changes when they “see a great light.” Their world suddenly becomes clearer. When the Light of Christ shines on them, they can see the Truth about their own lives and the world. They know how to live, how to be free from their burdens, and how to have joy and peace. Today, millions of people in the world still “walk in darkness”—men and women, old and young, people in every nation, from all races, singles and families, rich and poor, from farms and slums. All of these people need the Light of the Gospel.
We are called to be light walkers. Living the way God wants is like living in the light. We live out in the open, for all to see, with clarity, in freedom, and on display. By contrast, darkness is always associated with what is hidden, unholy, and stumbling around to find our way. We are called to walk in the light. We are also are reminded in the Word that we are not alone. Light chases out darkness, but light also finds other light, and together they shine even brighter. Light begets light. So, know that you are not alone if you are trying to shine for Jesus. Find others that share the light. Don’t surround and yourself with darkness, because it will steal your light. Impact the darkness, but don’t fellowship with it. Only linger in it and with light.
Have you recently suffered a significant loss? Perhaps a loved one is no longer nearby, or some unforeseen event has caused such pain or grief that you’re truly brokenhearted. Today, hear this undeniable truth: God brings light into darkness. It belongs to God to do this. He did it on the very first day; His starry heavens make glorious the pitch black of outer space. And He will most assuredly shine His light into your soul once again. Jesus is our companion and helper in affliction. As Isaiah 53:4 says, “Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” He understands firsthand your heartache, and it is He who will never leave nor forsake you. Though you are weak, He is both strong and faithful, and His love cannot fail. Yoke your heart to Him—His ox-like strength will pull you through this sad and painful time, step by step. Look—even now His light begins to shine. Micah 7:8 (NLT) – 8 Do not gloat over me, my enemies! For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.
Jesus is in the light. That’s all we need to know about where to go. His light makes us pure and clean. It chases out our sin and leaves nothing but grace. Jesus is the light, and He says: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NLT). Let the light of Jesus give you rest today!
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton