LIGHT AND DARKNESS
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)
Among our sense organs, none is as vital as our sight. For one who has known sight, the very thought of losing it is incomprehensible. Yet, when one loses his eyesight, it is devastating as his whole world is suddenly thrust into darkness. Darkness is difficult because you are left without your most important sense organ to help you find your way.
So it is with life when one lives in ‘darkness’. The example that Jesus portrays is one wherein man goes about his life, groping around in darkness. He does have eyes to physically see but does not comprehend what life is all about. There is no discernment of what is right or wrong. There is little understanding of the direction in which he should move forward and the resultant consequences of the decisions he makes. And so as he aimlessly wanders from one pursuit to another, from one pleasure to another and from one worry to another, he achieves nothing substantial and misses the essence of an abundant life.
Another aspect of having ‘light’ is knowing your origin and your destiny. Jesus alludes to this by quoting his own example of validity as a witness.
Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going——. (John 8:14)
When a person comes to accept Jesus as his Savior and Lord, he no longer is in the dark regarding his origin and destiny. He knows that he originated from God, a precise creation by the Lord of the universe to accomplish a specific purpose. He also recognizes that his life would not be cut short and terminated, rather he would rise up through death to be with God forever.
Darkness is a reality and a challenge but light beckons and that light is only in the essence of Christ.
