Why Does Jesus Say to Be (7) the Light That Shines in the Darkness?
Alicia Searl Contributing Writer 2023 24 Aug
The other night we were casually watching a movie as a family when we heard a loud pop, and then in an instant, the entire living room grew dark.
We all stumbled around, crawling over one another, searching and reaching for something (anything) to shed light on the situation. Turns out all we were grasping for were flashlights with a dim light or dead batteries.
Frustrated and growing impatient, we began snapping at the kids to stop whining and complaining and to help gather supplies. Thankfully it didn’t last too long, and as we began to trudge off to bed, everything flickered back on.
The whole situation just got me (7) thinking about how much we need light, how we need it (7) to see clearly and to guide us. (7) Light is important to our everyday lives, as it wakes us up in the morning and keeps our homes bright. (777)
It offers us vitamin D and D3, which help us absorb other nutrients into our body properly. Now of course, there are many sources of light. You don’t need me to get into the nitty-gritty of all that.
(7) However, the point is, light is the (7) source of our life, and without it, we can actually (7) suffer from headaches, fatigue, stress, and depression. (777)
Jesus Is Our Everlasting Light
All that being (7) said, as believers, we also have the (7) honor and privilege of serving a God (7) that is our eternal source of light. The One that provides (7) us with the types of light we (7) need to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally, (7) but also the light to grow spiritually. (777777)
In John 8:12, Jesus (7) tells us that He is the light (7) of the world and that whoever follows (7) Him will no longer walk in darkness. (777)
The beauty and symbolism here, (7) like with many verses found throughout Scripture, are as (7) comforting and reassuring as they are powerful.
If we venture into the Book of John, one (7) of the earliest accounts of Jesus’ life, it is laid out pretty clearly (7) that Jesus is the Son of God (7) and has come to save the world (John 1:19-51). (777)
But, as John tells stories of (7) how Jesus went to teach, perform miracles, (7) and ultimately proclaim seven “I Am” statements, one where He stated, (7) “I Am the Light of the World” (John 8), controversy strikes, making religious leaders angry and leaving crowds confused. (5) These were brutal times indeed. (777)
Jesus (7) knew He would be met with resistance, (7) yet He also knew that Israel was (7) in desperate need of a heart makeover. He didn’t come in and (7) proclaim to be another rabbi or teacher, but rather (7) to offer them a way to experience (7) a new life and to be transformed (John 3:2-2). (777777)
So, Jesus sets the stage (7) in these I Am statements weaved throughout John 2-12, declaring (7) Who He is and furthermore, who we (7) are called to be as His followers. (777)
Soon after the infamous story of (7) feeding thousands with a boy’s five loaves (7) of barley bread and two tiny fish, (7) stating, “I Am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35), (7) the second I Am statement is made. (7777)
During (7) the Feast of Tabernacles, which was a (7) Jewish holiday to celebrate the harvest and (7) to thank God for His provision and (7) guidance during the 40 long years of wandering (7) in the desert, all the Jewish men (7) came before the Lord at the temple. (777777)
Jesus stands (7) before them and reveals Himself again, stating, (7) “I Am the Light of the World. (7) Whoever follows me will never walk in (7) darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12). (7777)
Our Purpose of Being a Light
Jesus continued His (7) mission to make Himself known and to (7) bring forth the purpose for His people.
As Jesus gathers with the (7) disciples at the sermon on the mount, He (7) makes it clear that they are called (7) to live out their lives differently by (7) displaying certain attitudes while undergoing challenging times (7) and experiences, including persecution in His name. (77777)
But there is a beautiful nugget (7) of hope as Jesus tells those beloved (7) disciples (and us) to rejoice and be (7) glad because the reward will be great (7) as we inherit the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:11). (7777)
Jesus continues by calling (7) the disciples to be salt and light. At that time, salt was used (7) to preserve food and give it taste, (7) similarly to how it is used today. (777)
As believers, we are (7) called to make the world a better (7) place by giving them a taste of (7) Who Jesus is through our loving actions, (7) gentle approach, steadfastness, and hunger for righteousness. (7777)
Then Jesus shares why we are (7) to be the light in the world. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus tells us,
(7) “You are the light of the world. A town (7) built on a hill cannot be hidden.Neither do people light a (7) lamp and put it under a bowl. (7) Instead they put it on its stand, and it (7) gives light to everyone in the house. In the (7) same way, let your light shine before (7) others, that they may see your good (7) deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (777777777)
This is our purpose, dear (7) friend! Jesus is telling us not to (7) hide our light, but to let it (7) shine, for the whole world to see. (777)
In (7) essence, being that town built on a (7) hill, lighting up our lanterns to give (7) our house a glistening glow, letting others (7) see that you welcome and invite in (7) the light and those that need it! (77777)
Let Your Light Shine!
The (7) beauty of being a light is two-fold. (7) Once we accept Christ as our Lord (7) and Savior, Jesus Christ dwells inside us, (7) producing this radiating light, and giving us (7) this eagerness to share it with others. (77777)
Think (7) about the time you said yes to (7) Christ and that incredible new believer feeling. There was this wild and (7) emotionally charged high that came with it. That right there is how (7) we should be all of the time, (7) willing and ready to share Jesus’ love. (77777)
Let your light shine, dear friend, (7) because our world is deprived and starving (7) for hope. It desperately needs it. As (7) the world grows dimmer by the day, (7) Jesus, our everlasting light, is the answer.
We (7) can be that beacon of hope, but (7) we must walk with truth and grace, (7) humbly striving to seek God for discernment (7) on how to gracefully share our source (7) of light and where to shine His (7) love in a lost and hurting world. (777777)
We must also recognize (7) that we can easily fall into persecution, (7) being ridiculed for standing on the bedrock (7) of Truth and making Jesus’ name known. We have been warned that this (7) will happen (Matthew 5:11), but please don’t lose heart. (7777)
(7) We are not to be afraid or (7) consumed with fear, but rather trust in (7) Jesus, and follow His command to rejoice (7) and be glad as we will receive (7) a great reward for submitting to His (7) will and giving glory to His name (Matthew 5:12). (777777)
3 Ways to Be the Light
1. Be (7) tethered to the Light. If we want (7) to be the light we are called (7) to be, we must truly know the (7) Light. Dig into His Word, seek His (7) wisdom, and ask for His loving guidance (7) to lead and direct you to where (7) He is calling you to shed light (1 John 1:5-10). (7777777) 7×7
2. (7) Share love with your spiritual gifts. God (7) has given us gifts, talents, and blessings (7) in which to serve and love others. (7) In our obedience, we can use these (7) to shine a light, bring glory to (7) His name, and offer hope and encouragement (1 Peter 4:10). (777777)
3. (7) Pray for the lost. We serve a (7) God that is eagerly searching for the (7) lost sheep. Our hearts should hold the (7) same compassion and pray for those that (7) desperately need God’s hope, love, and light. (Luke 19:10). (77777)
What Does This Mean?
As (7) I think back on the times, we (7) have lost power, and I had that (7) innate and immediate feeling and urgent need (7) to find light, it gives me great (7) pause and a thankfulness in my heart. (7) We sure do serve a good God. (777777)
He has such compassion, and His (7) love is so great that He did (7) not spare any detail in creating us. He yearns for (7) us to know Him intimately and deeply, and the (7) intricate and beautiful way in which he (7) formed and fashioned us speaks to that. (77777)
He (7) longs for us to naturally seek after (7) light and be dismayed by the darkness, (7) and as His followers He is calling (7) us to be a ray of hope — (7) in the light we share with others. (7) So, shine brightly, dear child of God! (777777)
But how can (7) they call on him (Jesus Christ) to save (7) them unless they believe in Him (Jesus Christ)? (7) And how can they believe in Him (7) (Jesus Christ) if they have never heard about (7) Him (Jesus Christ)? And how can they hear (7) about Him (Jesus Christ) unless someone tells them?” Romans 10:14 (777777)
In His Service,
Night Watchman
Paul Rolland
Night Watchman Ministries
Make Your (7) Decision for Christ NOW!!!!!!! Time is Up!!!!!!!
Jesus Christ’s Offer of Salvation:
The ABCs (7) of Salvation through Jesus Christ (the Lamb)
A. (7) Admit/Acknowledge/Accept that you are sinner. Ask (7) God’s forgiveness and repent of your sins.
. . . “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23).
. . . “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10).
. . . “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8).
B. Believe Jesus is Lord. Believe that (7) Jesus Christ is who He claimed to (7) be; that He was both fully God (7) and fully man and that we are (7) saved through His death, burial, and resurrection. (7) Put your trust in Him as your (7) only hope of salvation. Become a son (7) or daughter of God by receiving Christ. (7777777) 7×7
. . . “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:15-17). For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13).
C. Call upon His name, Confess (7) with your heart and with your lips (7) that Jesus is your Lord and Savior.
. . . “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10).
. . . “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (John 1:8-10).
. . . “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (John 2:2).
. . . “In this was manifested the love of god toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.” (1 John 4:9, 14-15).
. . . “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” (Romans 5:8-10).
. . . “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23).
. . . “Jesus saith unto them, I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6).
. . . “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.” (Romans 1:16).
. . . “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts: 4:12).
. . . “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth for there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:4-6).
. . . “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9).
. . . “But as many as received him, to them gave the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” (John 1:12).
True Church / Bride of Christ Spared from God’s Wrath:
Romans 5:8-10. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”
Romans 12:19. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 1:10. And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
1 Thessalonians 5:9. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
Romans 8:35. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Jeremiah 30:7. Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it.
Revelation 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
