Walk in the Light!

Daily Reading: John 8

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8.12)

Devotional Thought: Today’s chapter, John 8, contains another of the “I am sayings” of Jesus.  Earlier, John had identified Jesus as the “true light” (John 1.9) and now Jesus himself claims, “I am the light of the world” (v. 12).  Jesus is "the light [that] shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1.5).  "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone 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, "the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining" (1 John 2.8).

Two things should concern us:

·       Am I personally walking in his light, or am I remaining in darkness?  It is one thing to see the light from a distance, but it is something else entirely to come into the light.  We can see and acknowledge the truth of Jesus without walking in it.  Imagine two paths along opposite sides of a steep ravine.  One side is well-lit, but the other is in shadows and darkness.  You could walk the path that is clear and bright.  Or you could walk the path on the opposite side.  You could see the light clearly enough, but your own path would be fraught with danger.

·       Am I allowing the light of Jesus to shine through me and light the way for others to walk in the truth?  Evangelist Nelson Perdue once said, “You may get saved at the end of life, but what is the legacy you are leaving behind?  What path will others follow based on the direction of your life?”

Jesus is the light of the world.  Are you walking in the light?

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for lighting the way for me.  Help me to follow you, not walking in darkness, but walking in the light of life.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 36.7-12

7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

8 They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.

9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.

10 Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your righteousness to the upright of heart!

11 Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.

12 There the evildoers lie fallen; they are thrust down, unable to rise.