Light of the World
“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
When I was a child, for years I was afraid of the dark. I absolutely needed to have a light on in my room to go to sleep. But according to clinical psychologist John Mayer, Ph.D., fear of the dark is “very common” among adults. “It is estimated that 11 percent of the U.S. population is afraid of the dark,” he says, noting that it’s even more common than a fear of heights.
That's because the fear comes from a very logical place. “Darkness impairs our vision, quite literally, and this is inherently uncomfortable,” explains licensed clinical psychologist Alicia H. Clark, Psy.D. “We aren’t afraid so much of the dark as we are afraid of what is in the dark we can’t see.”
Jesus said, "I am the light of the world."
Jesus made this claim during the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles celebrated at the temple in Jerusalem. During this feast, four giant candelabras or lampstands (possibly 75 feet high) were lit in one of the temple courts. Because of the temple's prominent place, the light of these candles could be seen throughout Jerusalem. While the light radiated, crowds of people danced in the streets celebrating God's deliverance of his people from slavery in Egypt.
With these candles burning brightly, Jesus declared, "I am the light of the world." Notice that He wasn't claiming to be Israel's national savior. He was making a global claim to deliver us from the darkness of rebellion against God, a darkness that infects us individually and plagues our world with hatred and violence. Jesus' salvation is for all who believe in Him, since He is the light for all nations.
Are there any areas in your life that need His illumination? If so ask Him to light your way, and illuminate your heart and mind with the Holy Spirit. Let Him shine in your life today and bring you into closer fellowship with the Father and with those around you.
Jesus, light of the world, shine Your radiant light in the dark corners of our lives. Draw us closer to You and our Father God. Let us shine in this dark world for You. Amen.