Jesus - The Light Of The World
Crowds gathered, lining the streets with their coats – a red carpet of sorts – eagerly anticipating the arrival of Jesus. Waving palm branches in celebration, the people shouted, “HOSANNA! Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” Yet in all the fanfare, they missed something. The people didn’t realize as they honored Jesus in the streets of Jerusalem that the light shining in Jesus’ eyes was the Light that would save them from eternal darkness.
The first recorded words of God in all of Scripture are “Let there be light.” God would create light to illuminate the darkness. Light would shine, give warmth, cause growth, and sustain life. In the gospel of John we see that Light has come in the person of Jesus, who made this statement: “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)
Following the light of Christ will give warmth as we bask in the radiance of God’s glory. It will cause us to grow deeply as His light gives wisdom and understanding for living in this dark and broken world. His light will sustain our very lives. The New Testament masses failed to see Jesus as King of kings and Light of Life, even as they celebrated Him.
We too celebrate Jesus. Don’t miss Him. Don’t miss who Jesus really is, especially now. These days are dark. And sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of Him when we walk through dark places. It requires hard work to stand against the dark of night. It takes much effort to keep our eyes open, straining to see the slightest glimmer of hope and light at the end of the tunnel. It is the Lord Most High who gives us strength and makes us brave and eases our fears. Because even the darkness is not dark to the One who is Light. We need not be afraid because He is the Light who shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it. The light at the end of the tunnel is the Light of the World – shining in all His brilliance.
Just as the Bible begins with the creation of light, so it ends with the One who is Light. The King is coming. “And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” (Rev. 22:5) Don’t miss Him. Don’t spend eternity in the dark. Jesus is the Light of the World. Let Him be the Light of your world.
