Light – something that makes things visible.
Darkness – the absence of light.
“Ye are the light of the world…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16
Darkness
Darkness is usually not good. Deaf people can’t talk in the dark. Some children and even adults are afraid of the dark. Evil is associated with the dark. Much crime and sin happen in the dark. “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). Death is usually a picture of the dark. It is hard to see, read, and play in the dark. Often, people who lack knowledge are said to be in the “dark.” Also, people who have not heard the Gospel are considered to be in darkness. Years ago, Ted and I visited a province of China. The people we met were gracious and kind, not evil as some seem to think. We realized that the people are simply in darkness because they don’t have the knowledge of the Gospel and do not know the “Light of the World,” Jesus. There are a few good things to be said about darkness. It is hard to see dusty furniture, wrinkles on your face, or gray hair in the dark. Darkness is good for sleep, and wearing dark clothing can make the body look thinner (Smile).
It seems that America and the world is sinking deeper into darkness. From the highest to the lowest, rebellion, lying, cheating, sexual sins, abuse, abortion, murder, pornography, adultery, and crimes abound. Even among Christians there seems to be more problems than ever. This dark world needs some bright lights.
Jesus the Light of the World
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). From Genesis through Malachi, the promise was given that Jesus, the Light of the World, would come.
Between Malachi and Matthew were 400 dark years. No voice from God was heard. Then, just as was promised in the Old Testament, Jesus, the Son of God, the Light, came. He was born of a virgin, pure, holy, and perfect. When He was about 30+ years of age, He began His earthly ministry. John the Baptist preached about Jesus, the Light, and proclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God.” He could also have said, “Behold the Light of the world.” (John 3:19-21)
Christians – the Light of the World
While Jesus was on earth, He served, glorified and obeyed His Father. He saved, healed, and taught. He told his disciples that He would be on the earth for just a short time. “Yet a little while is the light with you” (John 12:35). Jesus fulfilled His mission on earth. He died on the cross, was buried, and arose from the dead on the third day to take away our sins. He is now back in Heaven with His Father. While on earth He said, “I am the Light of the world.”
Now He says, “Ye (Christians) are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14-16). As Christians, it is our responsibility to follow in His steps.
The Lord commands us to be “lights in a dark world.” We are to be lights to point sinners to Christ. We are to be lights of comfort; lights of warning; lights of encouragement; lights of fellowship; lights of teaching; lights of purity; lights of love; lights of faith; lights of obedience; lights of humility; and lights of worship. Don’t let your light go out! This dark world needs some bright lights.
How Bright is Your Light?
Those who are not saved, who have not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, are still in darkness (Romans 2:19). Their need is to believe and receive the Light of the World, Jesus. For those of us who have accepted Him, our need is to give them knowledge of the Light (Luke 1:79).
For those who are saved but have a dim “light” because of unconfessed sin, the need is forgiveness (1 John 1:9). “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Don’t let your light grow dim.
For those who are saved but have hidden their “light” with a sinful lifestyle, the need is repentance, turning to God away from sin. “Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness” (Luke 11:35). Ask God for a new beginning (1 John 1:9).
For those who are saved and are striving to keep their light shining brightly, the need is to keep going. Keep trusting the Lord in everything; share the Gospel; help those in need; give of yourselves, your time and your money; keep assembling together in your church; keep encouraging; and keep loving the Lord with all your heart, mind, and strength and your neighbor as yourself. In other words, keep on keeping on. “Be [not] weary in well doing: for in due season, we shall reap if we faint not (give up)” (Galatians 6:9). Some day there will never again be any darkness. We will be with Jesus, the Light of our lives, and we will be with Him forever. Jesus Himself will be the Light (Revelation 22:5).
Until Heaven, may we every day determine to be a bright light for Jesus. Many are searching for the Light. May we be the ones to lead them to that Light. Let’s be people who will help lift America and our world out of darkness into the light.
This is written because I care…Carlene
