94. Light of Life
John 8:12 I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Darkness is a description of the human condition controlled by Sin, Death and the Devil. Darkness is both inside and around us: darkness inside means we do not know who we are, what to do, or where we are; darkness around us means we cannot see a way to go even if we knew the right way. We, as humans, can only grope our way through the dangers and threats of this world, and we usually are led by our enemies into stormy seas.
Darkness is synonymous with Death, sadness, grief, loss, despair and hopelessness. Walking in darkness is the picture of the walking dead. Darkness is living without God, and that means living without life, or anything meaningful. “Outer darkness” is Jesus’ description of hell, an existence totally without God or life or light or hope. Spiritual darkness is oppressive and stifling against living life enjoyably. It is not easy to see that we live in darkness, until it is revealed by the Word of God. Only when the light shines can we know that we were in darkness and under death’s control.
Jesus is the light of the world and those who believe in Him will have the light of life. Light has absolute power over darkness. Darkness has no power of its own and it cannot push away the light. Light penetrates darkness and overcomes it. When the Light has come into this world it drives darkness away and He brings light and life into us and around us.We have the light of life; life is light; Jesus is the true God and eternal life; we have Him and so we have light, the light of life. We know who we are, where we are, where we are going, how to get there, and we know Him who is the Way. The Word of God (Jesus) is “a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105).
When the light shines in we are truly alive; when the light shines out we truly live.