Jesus said, " I am the Light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of Life. (John 8:12). He was the source of Life, and the darkness has never extinguished it.( John 1:5). God sent a man named John to be his messenger. John came to declare the truth about the Light so that everyone would become believers through his message.John was not the Light, but he came to declare the truth about the Light.
The Real Light, which shines on everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into existence through Him. Yet, the world didn't recognized Him. He went to His own people, and his own people didn't accept him. However, He gave the right to become God's children to everyone who believe in Him.
( John 1: 6-12).
Jesus Christ is the Real Light that gives Life. He is what we need in our lives. There is nothing that can give us light that brightens our path like Jesus Christ.(Psalm 119:105) He came into this world to save and to redeem us from the darkness that has so much ensnared us. Today, He is still inviting us into His marvelous Light that gives life.
Without Jesus Christ in our lives , we walk in total darkness because He is the Light. Apart from Him we walk in darkness. Just like a fish can not live out of its natural habitation which is water, we too cannot live apart from God because He is our creator , sustainer and life giver. When a fish is taken out of water, it doesn't die immediately - it dies gradually- but finally dies and this is also applicable to us children of God. When we are disconnected with God because of our sinfulness, the result is gradual death which eventually leads to death. Romans 6:23 says. " For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Jesus desire is not for any of us to perish in our sins but for us to become alive in Him. Colossians 2:13 says, " When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trandgressions". (Col 2:13).
Apostle Paul reminded believers, And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath even as the rest. For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light. ( Ephesians 2:1-3, Ephesians 5:8).
As believers, we are the light of God in this dark world. We are no longer in darkness because Christ has redeemed us from darkness and brought us into His marvelous light. We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that we may declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once we were not a people, but now we are the people of God; once we had not receive mercy, but now we have received mercy. ( 1 Peter 2:9-10) Therefore, a believer's life should reflect the Light of God in every aspect of live and service. Following Jesus is not a physical pathway, but a life of dedication and service. Jesus always honored His Father in His daily life. Our lives ought to be a testimony to the grace and love of God. David prayed, " Wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?" ( Psalm 56:13)
So today, I wish to admonish us to live as children of the Light. Let our lives reflect the Light of God in our common daily activities and walks. Let His love, kindness, compassion be manifest in our contacts with people. We should see everyone as Christ see's them. Instead of judging and condemning people by our words and actions, let us pour out His love to them. Let us pour His goodness and mercy to them. The Bible says, "God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved". ( John 3:17) Let sinners be transformed through us and not be condemed through us. Let sinners be won to Christ through the Gospel we preach to them and through the life of Christ they see through us. Let our lives be a reflection of Jesus Christ and let us walk in Love, as Christ also hath loved us". (Ephesians 5:2)
Be Encouraged:
The world is in total pains right now. Things are no longer the same as it used to be. I don't know what you might be facing right now in your life but I want to encourage you to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. The Lord is your strength. The Lord is your refuge and protector. The Lord is your healer. Whatever situation you're facing right now is not more than God to handle. Our God is able and He will see you through that difficulty. Scripture tells us that night can be as bright as day,that even in the toughest times, we can carry on because there is a Light that cannot be extinguished. When our lives are overwhelmed by sorrow and grief, the Light of God cannot be fully overcome. We can be struck with trouble, heaviness, and darkness, but His Light cannot be put out.( John 1:5)
Are you struck with pains and sorrow today, overwhelmed and hardly able to function under the weight of the burden you carry? Ask God to allow you the grace to have enough light to see by today. And as this trial unfolds, moment by moment, you can trust in His unfailing love.
Pray with me today. . .
I thank You Lord that You are never overcome by darkness. Even the darkest night is as bright as the brightest day to You. Thank You that as I walk with You, learning to walk in Your ways, seeking Your divine presence in my life moment by moment, this darkness I presently feel will dissipate, and the night around me will be like day once again in Jesus Name.
Thank You that You promised me that I will shine again. As You transform my life and deliver me from these present challenges that seeks to overwhelm and destroy me, rather than being overwhelmed and destroyed, these challenges will be the making of me. I will become stronger and a brighter light for Your glory.
Wash me clean of all darkness. Take me into the light of Your glorious presence and radiate all darkness out of my being in Jesus Name. I thank You for the sacrifice of Your dear Son, Jesus who bled and died to give me an opportunity to be forgiven and cleansed.
I trust in the blood and water that gushed forth from the sacred, broken heart of Jesus to flood over me and to break the circle of darkness plaquing my life today. I stand beneath that flow, bowing in worship for Your generous, glorious love for me.
In Jesus Name.
Amen.
Article By: Christina Ewanga.
Host on Christina Ewanga on Raising Kids With The Wisdom of God Series.
Bible References:
John 8:12, John 1:5, John 1:6-12, Romans 6:23, Col 2:13, Eph 2:1-3, Eph 5:8, Ps 56:13, 1 Peter 2:9-10
Psalm 119:105.
Prayer Reference: A prayer for Light in the darkness by Mark & Jill Herringshaw
@ Christina Ewanga Network Daily Devotional.
