The Light of the World

Have you ever experienced days without electricity? Instead of flipping a switch when it got dark, you suddenly had to light candles, which were a rather meager substitute for the lamps that normally brighten your home after nightfall. Similarly, walking through life without Jesus is like settling for dim light. He is the brightest and most radiant light imaginable, but instead of turning to him, we often settle for twilight in our lives. Instead of bringing our worries and fears to Jesus and allowing ourselves to be filled with the things we desperately need, we seek fulfillment in our jobs, relationships, or sports.

In some areas of our lives, we may not see his light at all. Perhaps it's too dark around us, or we're looking in the wrong direction. In those moments, it's crucial for helpers to make themselves known to guide us out of the darkness we've wandered into. Because if we don't know that help is near, we might move away from our rescuers by running in the opposite direction.

To prepare as many people as possible for his message, Jesus sent John the Baptist ahead of him to clear the way. John was like a lantern showing the way to the light. He couldn't save anyone himself, but by announcing the coming Savior, he paved the way for Jesus and his work. John was humble enough to recognize that he wasn't even worthy to carry the sandals of the Messiah who would come after him. However, this didn't stop him from enthusiastically speaking about this Savior.

But Jesus is not only the Light of the World; he also calls people to go ahead and prepare his way. Sometimes, we are like those searching for direction in the darkness. In such situations, we need the humility and dedication of people like John the Baptist who can show us the way to the light. But Jesus doesn't just want you to come to him. He wants you to open your heart to his work and allow yourself to be used by him to prepare the way for others to come to him.

Next Step: Take time today to reflect on whether you can already see the light of Jesus or if you still need a "way-maker" to show you the way. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what it specifically means for your life that Jesus illuminates your darkness.