The Good Faith Gift

Read John 8:12-10:21
 
John 8:12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
 
IN the entire reading for today, Jesus declares seven times, “I am.” In addition to verse 12, he announced he is the Son of God and directed by God. He is the Son of Man, the eternal God, the good shepherd and the true gate.
   This scene in 8:12 is believed to be the day after the Feast of Shelters has ended. “I am the light of the world.” was a very appropriate ending. To fully understand the impact of Jesus’ self-declaration, we should know that light was a significant part of this festival. As God sheltered and tabernacled with his people during their 40-year journey in the desert, we remember he also led them with his protective, glorious pillar of fire by night. To commemorate this in the temple square, four 75-foot tall torches burned constantly during the Feast to illuminate the Temple, the city and the country. To remember God’s shekinah light that led the Jews to God, these and other torches shone the light across hillsides and valleys throughout Judea and Galilee.
   Light is the sign of creation to come. God’s good light illuminated God’s presence in the world to prepare for the world’s creation. In Exodus 3, God revealed himself to Moses through the burning bush. God also showed his glory to his people from Mt. Sinai as a consuming fire. God followed each light revelation with powerful creative acts. This would happen again when Jesus fulfilled his work.
   Light represents God’s creation, revelation, holiness, and salvation. Recall the vision of God’s throne in Ezekiel 1:4b an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal. Isaiah prophesied the Servant of the LORD would be a “light to the nations” (Isaiah 49:6). And gloriously, God will be the light for his people in the Kingdom of God: Isaiah 60:19 The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. This promise is repeated in Revelation 22.
   Of course, the Jews would stubbornly resist Jesus’ revelation.
   Be eager to believe and to receive Jesus’ new life light today. The Light of the World wants to illuminate your heart, so you will truly see heaven’s light. A lighted heart is a loving heart. It will guide you to walk with joy and wonder as you remember the LORD God has led you into his eternal glory.