Over and over again, we see Christ referring to Himself as the Light. This is especially true in the Book of John. I want to dig into this analogy of light as we look into our Verse of the Day:
John 8:12
12 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.”
(NIV)
Let’s take a look at this analogy from the inverse of darkness. Jesus says that whoever follows Him will never walk in darkness. At the same time, to walk in the light is to have the light of life. Jesus came that we might have life more abundantly (John 10:10). We might read this and think to ourselves that this is a life of pleasure, fun, joy, love, happiness, and absolutely nothing bad. But that is not at all what it means. Jesus even told us that this life would be full of trials and tribulations. Can I get a big amen?!?
This light is something that exists in the midst of darkness.
Jesus says that if we follow Him, we will not walk in darkness. It is as if He is walking along a path and He is lighting the way, but the path needs to be lit because it is surrounded by darkness. This light pierces the darkness. This is the light of life. It is not a problem-free life, but the power of God to overcome the darkness.
Darkness is everything in this world that is trying to destroy God’s plan for our life. It is anything trying to extinguish what God wants to do in us. He wants to give us joy unspeakable (1 Peter 1:8), perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3), good relationships (Proverbs 16:7), and all this in increasing manner (Proverbs 4:18). Darkness is anything trying to kill, steal, or destroy these things of God He wants to fill us to overflowing.
Wisdom and Power
This life is the wisdom to know how to live life and handle circumstances in a way that increases the good things of God in our life. But it is also the power of self-control to do what God’s wisdom directs. It is hidden wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:7) that can only be found when we live according to the principles Christ taught. We don’t always have to know the answer to our problems as long as we know the principles of Christ to guide how we walk through the problems. In Christ, we pierce through the darkness so that no weapon of the enemy prospers (Isaiah 54:17).
Finally, the light of life is gained by ‘following’ Christ. It is a lifestyle. It is not simply a belief but a faith that is verified by a lifestyle. This lifestyle does not exempt us from problems but teaches us how to approach each problem in a way that we pierce through step by step.
We can be overcome or we can be overcomers.
We have a choice. God made us to not only be overcomers but to be more than overcomers (Romasn 8:37). We do this by following the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, handling our most stressful moments the way He would. Is anyone tired of being overwhelmed by the problems?
Don’t be fooled into thinking there is some kind of spiritual maturity that ends all of life’s crisis moments. That place is in Heaven. For now, we are to reveal the glory of God by following the Light that shines into the darkness and follow the path He illuminates. The whole world may be in darkness, but we can walk in the Light. What destroys others doesn’t have to destroy us. What kills other relationships doesn’t have to kill ours. What creates depression doesn’t have to bring us down. Bitterness and resentment don’t have to be champions of our soul. We have the Light of Life to bring down every stronghold, conquer every demon, put down every attack, walk atop of every storm, filled with joy unspeakable, perfect peace, and a love that never fails.
Now, go and follow Him.
Live Blessed and Be a Blessing!
Pastor Lee is a pastor and Biblical life coach. He has been helping people through counseling, pastoring, teaching, and preaching for 20+ years. His ministry focuses on helping people overcome the strongholds of the past and press on into God’s plan for an abundant life. He has been married to his wife, Amy for 28 years. He has three sons and one daughter-in-love. For more about Pastor Lee or to get some Biblical advice, go to the About page.