Light of the World

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12

From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land.

Matthew 27:45

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”

Matthew 28:1-3, 5-6

There are times our circumstances appear diametrically opposed to the promises of God. He promises light, and darkness closes in. He promises life, and death tolls its bell with brutal finality.

But God’s promises march stubbornly on, unchanging, as darkness falls upon the earth.

Many of us give up the march in the gloom, immobilized and confused.

“But You said…?” we ask, questioning God and our understanding of Him.

For those who followed Jesus in 33 AD, the darkness fell with resounding force. The One in whom they had hoped was dead.

The life He had promised seemed a cruel mockery. Jesus’ enemies had delivered a stunning defeat to the One who claimed to be the Light of the World.

Many did what anyone would do. They retreated into the darkness, numb with shock. 

Others, like the two Marys, could not tear themselves away from the One they loved even in death. They watched. They waited. They worried. They wondered.

God’s promises did not retreat, however. They did not look on mournfully. Like a hidden seed deep in the earth, they unfurled their mighty arms and surged forth with power, new life pressing toward the surface of history. 

Human eyes could not yet see that new life. All they could see was death and inky blackness. But new life was coming as sure as the dawn.

Jesus’ words lingered in the darkness, beckoning stumbling, unseeing humanity toward hope.

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

According to Jesus, those who follow Him will always have the light of life. Jesus Himself, the Light of the World, will help them keep walking when darkness falls. #Easter #Coronavirus #Lightoftheworld Share on X

Jesus’ words are anchors to us in times of tragedy, tribulation, and trouble. His promises are evidence of what we do not yet see. They rise solid beneath our feet even as the earth shifts and shudders.

Are you following Jesus during this present darkness?

Have you retreated into the blackness, numb with shock, fear sending tremors across the landscape of your hopes and plans?

Are you anxiously on watch, worrying, wondering, waiting for someone to show humanity the way?

Jesus is the Light of the World. The darkness is not dark to Him. 

Jesus brings light in the darkness and life out of death.

Do not be afraid. He has risen! Just as He said. The promises of God are marching through the darkness, and they will appear like lightning at dawn, pushing away the night. #ResurrectionDay #Hope #Coronavirus Share on X

There is hope for the world, and His name is Jesus. Invite The Light of the World into your darkness today.

Lord, thank you for being Light in my darkness! I will wait for the dawn and trust in Your promises. Amen.

@audreycfrank