Text: John 8:12, 9:1-7, John 1:1-18, Genesis 1:1-5
This is part of a 10-day series on the person of Christ in the 2016 Lent study.
The older I get, the more I enjoy (that is, “require”) moderate temperatures, my feather pillow, and hot showers—creature comforts. Yet I’m still strangely drawn to watching survival reality shows on TV. That people would choose to endure extreme, potentially fatal, conditions greatly entertains me from the comfort of my couch and extra-large bowl of popcorn. Watching these shows from a safe distance on my cushy perch, I’m reminded of just how vulnerable we humans truly are.
The priorities for survival, regardless of setting, include: finding a clean water source, fashioning some form of shelter, locating food, and building a fire. How fitting then, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, proclaims that He is Life (Colossians 3:4), and He is everything essential for life. He is the Living Water (John 4:10) and the Bread of Life (John 6:35). He is our nourishment (John 15:5) and our shelter (Psalm 91). The One who created us also sustains us, giving us everything we need to survive and even thrive here on earth (2 Peter 1:3-4).
Today we read about another necessity: light. And once again, Jesus does more than provide light for us. Scripture tells us that He Himself is light:
“I am the light of world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
-John 8:12
Hours of watching survival TV shows have taught me that those first precious hours “on the island,” so to speak, are spent using whatever means necessary to start fire. Once burning steadily, the fire provides warmth and a means of cooking food, protection from dangerous enemies, and yes, light. But bringing physical sight into the darkness isn’t all that light gives us. Our need for illumination goes so much deeper.
Like the man born without sight in John chapter 9, we are spiritually blind, powerless to overcome the darkness. But when Jesus comes near and turns our hearts toward Him, we are given a new kind of sight (2 Corinthians 3:16). In Christ’s presence, we are able to see the world as it truly is. We also begin to see people—all people—as made in the image of God, full of dignity and worth. By His Spirit, the Savior opens our eyes to eternal things, teaching us to walk by faith, not by physical sight (2 Corinthians 4:18, 5:7).
You and I aren’t stranded on a desert island today (at least I hope not!), but we are desperate for light all the same. Only the light of Jesus can give us sight, revealing the depth of our sin and the vastness of His grace. Only the light of Jesus cannot be overcome by the darkness (John 1:5).
Father, You are good, and Your provision is perfect. Draw us near to Jesus, the Light of the world, for warmth, for healing, and for life. Amen.
Though ive read John 1 many times, I really loved reading it today within the context of Jesus being the Light. The bible is so full of these types of repeating themes, metaphors and literal connections…makes unpacking the Word so exciting and fulfilling for me.
Thank you Lord that we can have sight even when everything is dark in front of us. Thank you for being the LIGHT for us!
http://www.in-due-time.com
Thank you all for your comments. I appreciate your transparency. Struggling today with many feelings and emotions related to self-worth. Needed our revival message, as well as today’s analogy that Christ is everything to sustain life. If it was not for Christ, I would not have hope. So thankful for a loving God. Phil 4:4-9.
It’s so reassuring to know that even when we experience darkness of fear and doubt and unknown, the darkness will not overtake us if we cling to the Light of the World. It can’t because it has already been defeated! Clinging to the Light today.
“We also begin to see people—all people—as made in the image of God, full of dignity and worth.” That’s such a good reminder, because sometimes I struggle with pride, thinking I’m better than others. Other times it goes the other way–I question my worth and abilities. With the light of Jesus, we can remember that ALL PEOPLE are made with a purpose. Praise His name!
I struggle with this, too! Praise Jesus for his patience and grace with us. Over and over.
I loved that phrase as well! I am currently training to be a midwife and so much of our program desires dignity and worth. I am currently struggling with how to be true to this concept, true to my belief in what is sin and how it all relates to the ever present “praise” if you will of so-called oppressed people groups such as LGTBQ that is happening in my classes right now. Prayers appreciated!
Just prayed for you Marlaena. May your new job be an opportunity for ministry and may God give you guidance and discernment through this time.
Hey Marlaena! I think that is the KEY! I grew up in circles that spoke in very hateful ways about non-heterosexual people. Over the last few years, I’ve been really convicted about the fact that they are all people who are so loved by God, made in His image and I am convinced (now) He cares SOOOOO much more about us loving them then being “right” about them. This conviction still leaves a lot of questions unanswered, but I think that’s where God wants me to start. I think some people get so wound up about all of it, they feel like it’s sin or approval to even acknowledge that God loves them and they’re made in Him image. But that’s simply not so. In fact, I think that would grieve God’s heart. He loves people. He desires that no one should perish. I don’t know what all they’re saying in your classes, but I bet you can agree with a lot of it as a Jesus follower. Maybe even champion it?
What was so powerful to me this morning as I read John 1:1-5, was in verse 5, the light-which is Jesus, shines in the darkness, and the darkness has NOT overcome it. Hallelujah! Light has the victory! Where there is the light, there will be no darkness!
I love at the end, “draw me near to Jesus for healing.” I tend to pray for guidance and protection but I realize never for healing. At this time in my life, I feel very broken. This is a great reminder that I’m not going to be broken forever. My savior can truly heal me in ways nothing on earth can. SRT has been such a blessing lately reminding me of things I know but often completely forget about. Praise to be to God for He is truly wonderful!!
Amen!
Amen! This spoke to me deeply. Thank you for sharing!
Praise be to God…our light-giver, our life-giver!