Keeping the Darkness at Bay
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.” John 8:12 (NIV)
The darkness can be scary! As a young kid walking out to the big barn after dark, I was terrified. Yes, I had a flashlight but back then, the beam of light was quite shallow. It was difficult to see but a few feet ahead. What lurked, moved, and made noises in the dark often froze me in my tracks. Obviously, I survived. Tricia Goyer (Mornings with Jesus) shares how to keep the darkness at bay.
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Our family enjoys going on walks. After dinner, we head outside to make a 1-mile-loop around the neighborhood. While most roads have streetlights, one corner’s light rarely works. Knowing this, my husband, John, carries a flashlight. As we near the darkened corner, he turns it on. The glow from the flashlight is wide enough for us to see the road and feel safe. Just as important, it also allows approaching cars to see our group.
The light of Jesus came after 400 years of silence from God (Malachi 4:5-6). No prophets spoke for the Lord or led His people during this time. Yet Jesus’s arrival declared a change. For all those who had been hoping and waiting for illumination from a man of God, His Son was that light. Those who followed Jesus walked with the Light of the World. Jesus brough God’s presence, protection, and guidance back into the world again.
The same is true for me more than 2,000 years later. The light of Jesus enables me to see myself as I really am—a sinner in need of a Savior. When I stay close to Jesus. His light is a wide enough circle for me to clearly see how to avoid evil and to feel safe with Him. Jesus’s light keeps the darkness at bay, no matter where I walk.
FAITH STEP: Tonight, take a flashlight outside after dark or into a dark room. Notice how it illuminates the darkness as you thank Jesus for shining His light into your life.
Loving Lord, thank You for shining Your light into our lives. Help us to see more clearly and to carry the light for others. AMEN.