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
We have lived a lot of places where it’s quite common to lose electricity. About 90% of the time, it seems to happen at night. It has to be one of Murphy’s Laws: When electricity goes out, it will be after dark. No normal human likes darkness. It’s difficult to navigate in the dark. It’s impossible to find what you’re looking for. It’s easy to get hurt. Evil seems to be more “present.” It’s a known fact that being in the dark is a much more frightening place. A quick internet research shows that psychologists tell us the reason people are afraid of the dark is because “sounds lose their connection and uneasy suspicions are created.” Personally, I don’t care what reason they come up with psychologically, or scientifically, I just know I do not like the dark.
That’s why in my house, we keep flashlights within quick, easy reach. Every room is equipped with oil lamps. The cupboard is full of candles. When it comes to losing electricity, I earn the Girl Scout badge for being prepared. All it takes is just one little light, and my heart stops racing, my mind settles down, and I am at rest. If you think I’m bad now, you should have seen what I was like as a little girl…
One little light makes a difference. Light is warm as it embraces us. Light gives direction and puts everything back into perspective. Light eliminates fear. Light reveals what is around me, enabling me to stay relatively safe. I’ve read that light is a natural, proactive source that wars against depression. Light drives out evil. Everyone is attracted to light – even bugs.
Jesus isn’t just one little candle lit in the dark. He is the light of the world. That’s a lot of light! Even the sun can’t light the whole world. Think what that kind of light can accomplish in us when we allow ourselves to step into it!
Probably what leaves me most speechless is that THE LIGHT places HIS LIGHT inside of me. THE LIGHT taught, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven (Matt. 5:14-16).”
This, too, is my prayer…So be it!
(A) He is THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD + (B) I am LIGHT = (C) I can make a difference in my world.