In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
THE TRUE LIGHT THAT GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN WAS COMING INTO THE WORLD.
–John 1:1-9 (NIV)
Who is the TRUE LIGHT that John is talking about that was coming into the world?
Yes, JESUS!
Photo credit by Leonard J Matthews under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
How do we know that Jesus is the true light?
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. –Isaiah 9:2 (NIV)
This verse refers to Jesus and His salvation which would be a “light for the Gentiles” as well as God’s chosen people, the Jews.
The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. –Isaiah 60:19 (NIV)
This verse refers to the New Jerusalem (ultimately heaven) where there will be no sun or moon since God’s and Jesus’ presence, being Light, will be forever present.
Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. –Isaiah 60:20 (NIV)
In heaven, there will be no night or sadness but only the light of joy and salvation!
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 (NIV)
Here Jesus very directly says He is the light and if we follow Him, we, too, do not have to live in darkness in this world or let Satan control us. We can walk with the Lord leading us just as the pillar of fire lighted the way for the Israelites back in the days of the Exodus.
Photo courtesy of Curtis Perry under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Jesus, is the TRUE LIGHT THAT GIVES LIGHT TO EVERY MAN!! That means that Jesus gives that light to you and me!!!
The light started with Jesus coming into the world, being born a baby, and it is our responsibility and privilege to receive that light into our hearts when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior! Wow….we are then entrusted with that same light and need to share that light with all we meet.
What does Jesus say about this light that He gives us?
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. –Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
**that WE are now the light of this world
**that our light needs to always be shining for Him for all to see
**that we are not to hide our light
**do good with our light
**our light will reflect praise back to our Father
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. –Philippians 2:14-16 (ESV)
**do not complain
**do not argue
**be wholeheartedly devoted to God’s will
**be honest and sincere
**hold fast to God’s word
**live every moment for the Lord
Photo courtesy of abcdz2000 under Creative Commons License (CC BY-SA 2.0)
What are some practical ways we can shine our light daily?
–read and apply Scripture daily
–be careful of what we watch on TV or the music we listen to
–pray continually throughout the day
–bring the light to others through an encouraging word for those going through tough times
–check in on a shut in or neighbor who is lonely
–really care about those you meet daily
–drop a quick email to a coworker you might never have met, but interact with, to tell them you hope they are having a good day
–share with your pastor something they said that made a difference in your life
–guard our mouth and speak positive, edifying words to others
–share the treasure the Lord has provided for you
–seek the unique gift the Lord has given you and you use it for His glory
May the light of Jesus that we have received and been entrusted with, shatter the darkness of this world and point all we meet to Jesus, the True Light of the World! Amen!
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light to shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. –2 Corinthians 4:5-6
