John 8:12
Thoughts from Crystal Garnett
Dive Deeper
Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
John 8:12
Behind the Scenes
Light in scripture is always symbolic of goodness, righteousness, truth, wisdom, and holiness. In opposition, darkness is always symbolic of evil, sadness, hopelessness, confusion, and sin. In a world that was filled with darkness, Jesus used this symbolism to speak to the deeper truth of who He was and why He came.
From the initial fall onward, darkness has had a foothold in this world. Satan is the prince of darkness, and the Bible tells us that he roams through the earth looking for who he can devour. His mission is to spread darkness, to turn hearts toward the darkness, and to rob you and I of anything that looks like light. As residents of this earth, it’s tempting to feel overwhelmed, heavy hearted, and discouraged. But we have something that no amount of darkness can overcome…
We have the Light of the world!
Jesus came to defeat darkness. He came to turn on the light. No matter how heavy the darkness, no matter how pitch black the night, there is no level of darkness that can ever overcome the light! Even a single match lit in the darkest room defeats the darkness. Light is so much more powerful than darkness. And Jesus’ light is eternally more powerful than the darkness of our enemy. It cannot be snuffed out, it cannot be hidden, and it cannot be overcome. Jesus is victorious over every and all darkness.
Make it Real
I don’t know about you, but to me, this world feels like it gets darker by the hour. All the unrest and violence happening all over the world sits heavy on my heart. The arguing, bashing, blaming, and hatred that is spreading like a virus here in our own country makes my stomach turn. The darkness threatens to overwhelm us… and it will if we don’t turn on the light.
See, this metaphor is not just symbolic, it is real, true, and powerful. The solution of all the darkness in the world, in your life and in mine, is and always will be Jesus Christ. In His light, darkness has to flee! In His love, hatred has to end! In His truth, deception cannot stand! In His way, division is defeated!
Friends, we have to be people of the light. We have to choose today to embrace the light at all costs. Because this world and our own hearts need it more than the air we breathe. So, this week, as you face the inevitable darkness all around you, I want to challenge you to take intentional steps to turn on the light. How can you choose Jesus more this week than you did last week? How can you shine His light more? How can you choose to walk in the light of His word, His truth, and His comfort more today than you ever have before? And how can you share that light with those around you who also so desperately need it?
Crystal Garnett
ACF Digital Discipleship Team Lead
End in Prayer
Jesus, Lord of light and Author of goodness. Thank You for being my Light. Thank You that the darkness of this world is never too dark for you. Thank You that you have overcome even the deepest, blackest, heaviest darkness that I could ever encounter. Thank You that nothing in this life or the next could ever change that. I praise You, Lord, and I ask that You shine bright in my life today. Help me to see the darkness and call on Your light. Help me to always walk in the glow of your light, never content to be away from it.
I pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen