TURN ON THE LIGHT

Monday, 5^th Week of Lent

            “I am the light of the world.”

            It is obvious that a torch that is not lit is useless. A flashlight that is not turned on is powerless. A match that is not struck is unnecessary. A candle that does not burn is irrelevant. A light that is not allowed to shine so that others can see it is of no benefit whatsoever.

            You cannot really appreciate the value of light until you understand the reality of darkness. We might be living in the darkness of an addiction that enslaves us, or the darkness of having no purpose and direction in life, or the darkness of failed marriages, shattered friendships, broken relationships, bitterness, and regrets.

            One of the reasons why Jesus came into this world was to expose just how dark this world is. A few chapters earlier, Jesus said this, “And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil.” That is exactly what light does: It exposes anything in the dark.

            Jesus makes an incredible promise: “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” As a follower of Christ, you have in you the Light of the World. Faith in Christ is not a leap into the dark; it is a step into the light.

            Moreover, we are not only to shine his light we are to show his light. One thing is true about darkness: the darkest darkness cannot remain when one light is turned on. It does not matter how thick the darkness is. Light can penetrate any darkness. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, your job is to let his light shine in you and through you so that those living in the dark will know they are in the dark and find the light as well.

            What God wants us to do in a world engulfed in darkness is simply to show other people the light that we have found. You are in a neighborhood that is beset by the darkness of intrigues, conflicts, and division – you are the light in its darkness. You are in an environment that is afflicted by the darkness of the distorted values of materialism – you are the light in its darkness. You live in a society that is enveloped by the darkness of injustice, inequality, and oppression – you are the light in its darkness. Let us turn on the light of Christ.