Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, September 9, 2016

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We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.

Today’s Scripture Focus: “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12).

It is near impossible for us to place one divine self-proclamation above another, because any description of the Most High revealed by the Holy Spirit is of inestimable value. Yet, my finite mind is particularly drawn to the statement of Christ in our theme text. He is the Light of the world.

Even if you are not an avid Bible reader, you may recall the following statement in the creation story: “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3). I do not want to get too philosophical here, but there is something equally glorious and curious going on here. If you continue reading the creation account, you will note that the heavenly bodies that govern the day and night were not created until the fourth day. Thus, the question must be asked, “With no sun, moon or stars, what was the light of which our God spoke on the first day?”

Let’s consider three key verses before we continue: “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6). “In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1:4–5). “And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” (Revelation 21:23).

As we can see, the Scriptures are very clear that Jesus, the One who came to earth to buy our pardon, is the Light. Jesus is the Light of creation. Jesus is the Light of the glory of God. Jesus is the Light who puts the sun, moon, and stars out of business in heaven and the New Jerusalem. And so it now makes sense that the prophet did not misspell, “Son” in describing Christ when he prophesied, “But unto you who revere and worshipfully fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings and His beams, and you shall go forth and gambol like calves [released] from the stall and leap for joy.” (Malachi 4:2, AMP). Malachi lauds the joy and leaping that takes place in the life of those who receive the One who shines brighter than a thousand suns at noonday.

In conclusion, Jesus aptly reveals Himself to us in the most illustrious sense, highlighting the fact that He is the antithesis of darkness. Those who receive this life-changing reality into our daily practices will not need to stumble around, trying to figure out the Lord’s will. We will not need to worry about being ignorant to anything it is in our best interest to know. We will not need to worry about wicked thoughts encroaching upon us, leading us to commit unmentionable acts. If we submit to the Light, all of our thoughts, intentions, and actions can stand in the judgment before a holy God. Our minds and consciences can be clear in His presence when we walk in the light, as He is in the light. This is the utmost in liberating experiences.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)