Day 12

The Light of the World

from the John reading plan


John 7:53, John 8:1-30, Isaiah 60:19-22, 1 John 1:5-7, 1 John 2:8

BY Lore Ferguson Wilbert

I used to be a morning person, when mornings used to be quiet, solitary, and slow. This year they’ve been abrupt, noisy, and shoving—everything mornings should not be. I am disgruntled while I tie my shoes. It’s barely past 5 am. I know mothers and wives and fathers and farmers and workers all over the world wake up this early, but I am self-employed and childless and I have convinced myself I’m owed uninterrupted sleep until at least 6 a.m. Our dog disagrees, and in fact, seems to think the fastest way to my heart right now is through her leash. She noses me until I relent and meet her at the front door.

Outside, the moon is a pregnant belly, super and bright, shining the whole still-dark neighborhood over. How strange, I think, that the Son of God would call Himself the “Light of the World” (John 8:12) when the most constant, earthly source of light disappears every night.

But this morning I remember the pillar of fire by night and the cloud by day (Exodus 13:21–22); I remember the star shining in the east (Matthew 2:1–2), the day the sun stood still (Joshua 10:12–13), and the day the earth went dark (Matthew 27:45–54). I think about how the God of the universe created the orbs and commands them even now. He is the One who sets clouds the size of a man’s fist in the sky and makes it rain for forty days and forty nights (Genesis 7:11–12). 

Jesus tells us, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). But the kind of light He offers, is not of the natural, earthly sort. His light is supernatural and He freely offers it to whomever would follow Him.

Yes, Jesus is the Light of the World, but when our hope is in anything or anyone other than Him, the world can grow terribly dark in a hurry. I tend to believe Jesus is near and present when I can clearly see His hand at work in my life. But when I cannot see Jesus at work in my life, He seems absent, distant, and busy, too tied up with more important things—more important people—than me.

But this morning, the supermoon shines a deceptive light on my path—blue, dim, shadowed. Not sunlight, but still of the sun—whether I can see it or not. Walking with the Light of the World is like that, too, I think to myself. I am still walking in darkness, but I know the light exists. 

I come back home to a still, dark, quiet house with a somewhat less rambunctious pup. She snores beside me on the floor, and I drink my coffee slowly, quietly. I have the light of life, I think to myself, even today, in this season that feels dark in many ways. I have the light of life because I follow Jesus, and He never fails to shine, even when His light feels hidden by this world and the brokenness within it. 

He is the one, true Light of this World—the sun pales in comparison to the light of His presence. “Even darkness is not dark” to Him (Psalm 139:11–12).

I light a candle and the room, once dark, is light again.

Post Comments (92)

92 thoughts on "The Light of the World"

  1. Kelly (NEO) says:

    ECS – praying that the Lord will grant you peace and wisdom to be your own advicate. There are many non-mediction therapies that may help you through this. Don’t let despair keep you from looking to the future with hope. Not for a cure, but hope to do what God has called you to do through the process.

  2. ECS says:

    I would appreciate any prayers as I am feeling a little discouraged and anxious. I was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease 3 years ago at the age of 49. I have delayed starting medication because of my fear of the side effects. Yesterday at my appointment, we agreed with my neurologist that because of disease progression it is time to start medication for quality of life. It just feels like the countdown has begun and I have no control. I feel a little scared of what the future holds and hate the thought of the possibility of being disabled and reliant on others to care for me. I know that I am getting way ahead of myself and tend to be a worrier and see the negative so pray that I don’t focus on an uncertain future – that I remind myself that God is in control and that somehow I can use my circumstances to help others and bring glory to Him. Thanks!!

  3. Holly Strickland says:

    This resonated with me too!

  4. Buffy Rennie says:

    Yesterday on my way home from a blood test, I had a strong, powerful urge to call my friend whom has just started chemo for rectal cancer.
    I called her. She answered in tears. I asked how she was. She said not good. I asked if she could have visitors. She said yes if you wash your hands and mask. I said I would do anything for you.
    I was there in five minutes. We talked, cried, hugged, laughed. That’s all we did. But it was more.
    I heard, felt God’s call to go. I went. Through it I was blessed.
    Thank you Lord for loving us so much and pushing us to be better with each other.

  5. Victoria E says:

    Jennifer I am praying for you today. I am so sorry for your loss. Sarah D praying also for you. Angie, praise God for how He answered prayers about this situation! Brooke P continuing to pray for you and the baby!! I too am struck by the “ it was not the time” statements, never noticed those before but they are speaking to me now as I contemplate a job change and move I wonder if it is the time yet.

  6. Angela Recontructing says:

    I love that Jesus gets his hands dirty…for us.

  7. Rachel says:

    I love how Jesus does not condemn the woman…AND He makes it clear that what she is doing is sin and calls her to turn from it. Like her, He loves us too much to let us live in our junk. Praying for a heart that is tender and receptive to His voice and that I will turn quickly from temptation and sin. Praying for the needs and the deep sorrows mentioned today. xo

  8. Becky says:

    Oh, I loved the reading today and Lore’s words. It jumped out at me when she wrote-The super moon shines a deceptive light on my path-blue, dim, shadowed. Not sunlight, but still of the sun- whether I see it or not! Made me think of how we can put our hope in dim lights to light our paths(financial security, good health, social status, etc) which are gifts given to us by Jesus in the first place, instead of the One true light which lights even the darkest of dark! Help me keep my eyes fixed on THAT Light!
    I lift up my prayers to y’all who have asked.

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