Bible Reading: John 1:1,4-5, 8:12
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
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."
A Thought
We normally go away in the caravan at the end of June, we love being away for the longest day. Not, I hasten to add, for any pagan ritual, but just because we like the light nights and early mornings. We’ve been in the north of Scotland when you can read a book without a light on after eleven o’clock, and the light has barely disappeared over the horizon on one side of the caravan before it is reappearing on the opposite horizon.
The light of the sun doesn’t just enable us to read a book, it also helps us find our way, it provides the heat that enables us to live and the energy that causes the plants to grow and provide us with food. The sun is the light of life. But the sun also sets, and I wouldn’t like to be in our caravan in the north of Scotland for the shortest day!
Jesus’ claim to be the light of the world builds on the images of the sun. When we are unsure of the way ahead or of the decisions we should make, Jesus is the light on our path and he will guide us. When we are afraid of the present or anxious about the future, Jesus is the light that will dispel the darkness of fear. When we are caught up in the darkness of sin, Jesus is the light that leads us to forgiveness and freedom. He truly is the light of life.
Jesus, though, is different to the sun. The light of Jesus doesn’t set. There is never a time when the light of Jesus is not there for us. There is never a time when he will not show us the way. There is never a time when he will not dispel our fears. There is never a time when he will not free us from the darkness of sin. As it says at the beginning of John’s gospel ‘The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.’
Where do you need the light of Jesus to shine for you today? Are there difficult decisions you need to make? He will show you the way. Are there things that make you fearful of the future? His light will overcome the darkness. Are there sins that hold you back or weigh you down? His light will dispel the darkness and lead you to forgiveness and freedom.
A Prayer
Lord Jesus, Light of Life, lead me in your ways, that I might walk in the light of your presence, without fear and in complete freedom.
Amen.