Scripture: John 1:4-7
"In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning the light, so that through him, all men might believe."
Just this week, I received this most beautiful photograph in the mail, and my heart leaped! There, before me, was a devotional just screaming to be released! Instantly, the above Scripture popped into mind, and I present these thoughts, from my heart to yours.
The first portion of this passage of the Word is speaking of Jesus. In fact, it refers to Him as, "the Word". And Jesus Christ, the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings, IS life... and that life IS light!
There can be no argument that we live in a world of darkness. And here, as we quickly approach the millenium, we seem to be surrounded with an ever growing element of darkness. There is a desperate need for light in this world in which we live!
Curiously, there was an equally valid need for light in the world of years past. And, according to the Gospel of John, even during the days of John the Baptist, and his cousin, Jesus, there was darkness, and a need for light.
Thus, we have established a need for Jesus. It was then, and is now, critical to recognize the element of darkness in our lives, and then by accepting his free gift of salvation, accept the light that He has to offer us, which is eternal life.
Now, what if we HAVE accepted Jesus? What if we HAVE the light that only Christ can give? According to the Scriptures, John the Baptist was sent by God, and he had a clear cut mission. His mission was straightforward, and far reaching. He was to testify concerning the light.
The very same calling applies to anyone who has the light. Matthew 28:19 records the words of Jesus as being, "Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
This is what is known as, "the Great Commission", and is widely accepted as applying to ALL people who bear the name, "Christian". As such, I would suggest that, as John, we are all to be "testifiers" concerning the light. In essence, we have become "lighthouses", with the task of shining that light into the darkness of the world. The very nature of the light itself will draw men unto it, and the Bible says that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
This week, I challenge you to commit to learning a new passage of the Scriptures, and commit that passage to your memory. Thus, the Holy Spirit will be able to bring that Scripture to mind at the perfect time, in order that you might draw upon the life, and hence the light, that comes from the Word.
And for those of you who might desire this light, but to this point in your life, you have never made that commitment to Christ, I ask the question, "would you like to know God personally?" I will direct you to do one of two things: either check out the web site that clearly explains the Four Spiritual Laws, or email me, Eric Reamer, directly, and I will be glad to discuss this with you personally.
God bless you all this week!
Copyright © 1996 Eric S. Reamer, all rights reserved