“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NKJV)
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 NKJV)
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” (John 14:12 NKJV)
I work third shift as a custodian for Resurrection Life Church of Grandville, Michigan. For much of the year it is dark when I go to work and still dark when I get out. Then I sleep through most of the “light” hours of the day. My body reminds me often that I was not created to be nocturnal. We were created to function best in the light of day, and sleep in the dark of night. In the same way, I was not created to live in “spiritual darkness.” I was created for the “light.”
Jesus modeled what it looks like to live according to the original desire and design of our Heavenly Father. Everywhere He went He attracted multitudes of people. They flocked to Him because His life shined so bright with the light of Heaven. When He left Heaven, and came to Earth, He laid aside the use of His deity, and shared in humanity. This is important because He demonstrated what happens when a person lives completely sold out to the Father’s will and way in this world. He used the resources of Heaven to meet every need that people brought to Him. He never questioned their motives (unless they were one of the corrupt religious leaders). He never told them they had to keep their problem in order to learn something. He never told anyone that the issue that they brought to Him was “God’s will” for them. He never turned anyone away. He simply healed, delivered, and set them free. He shined the light of Heaven on every darkness in life, bringing Heaven’s answer to whatever was needed.
As a follower of Jesus, I have been called to not only live in the light, but to be the light. I have been commanded by Jesus to pick up where He left off and shine the light of Heaven on all that I meet. Matthew said that the way that I shine the light is through “good works.” Jesus defined what Matthew meant by “good works” when He said that I would do the works that He did, and even “greater works.”
I have the blessing, and challenge, to bring the light of Heaven to those around me just like Jesus did. It blows my mind that God would choose someone like me to share in His work, but He did.I have been commissioned to share the Gospel of the Kingdom, disciple nations, heal the sick, cast out demons, to set captives free, and destroy the works of the devil. As the light, I am to bring reconciliation, restoration, and redemption to a lost and dying world as I deliver the Light of Jesus to those in darkness.
Think about it, light dispels darkness and chases away creatures of the night. Light produces life and promotes energy. Light breaks depression and enhances joy. Light gives a sense of security and removes fear. The list could go on and on.
Jesus is offering us the opportunity and challenge to bring light and life to all we meet. How about together we shine the Light, knowing…
…Eric’s Life Lesson # 24: “Turn on the light, Jesus paid your light bill.”