Light Came to The World: Jesus, the best gift for humanity.
Once, Jesus, the Light, walked the earth. One may wonder why he bore such a title. Was there only darkness until he came? The answer is both Yes and No. There was certainly physical light; however, the entire world entered a season of perpetual spiritual darkness the moment man disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden. Throughout the years that followed, God’s grace manifested in various forms as He chose people for Himself. Yet, this does not change the fact that the world remained under a great force of darkness – sin. We have heard about Abraham, Isaac, Noah, as well as other mighty prophets whom God sent to deliver His messages of hope, repentance, and peace. But none of these messengers could fully portray the glory of God’s love and His desire for reconciliation. Humanity was still far from its Maker.
Then Jesus came!
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and Truth”(John 1:14). Finally, someone who represents God in all His essence had come. Yet, just as with the other prophets, the people disregarded this gift of God, too, because their deeds were evil (John 3:19). But there was something different about this Messenger. Despite the stark darkness of sin, the grave fall of man into a state of condemnation, most of all, despite their rejection and hardened hearts, this Messenger made a difference. For His “light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” (John 1:5).
Jesus did not conform to the world; rather, He embodied the heavenly life for men to see and emulate. His light was not to merely expose the things of the dark – sin, wickedness and wayward lifestyles – it was to draw men unto Him, to cause them to see and to walk as “children of light” (Eph. 5:8). In addition to showing men their weaknesses, He showed them the best life to live; He is the standard of righteousness. His light was an invitation to restoration, where man could be transformed into his original image – God’s image – in which he was made from the beginning when God had said, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26). Jesus did not just come to shine; He desired to leave seeds of light on the earth for a generation of light-bearers! That was the greater goal.
Jesus had said, “If I be lifted up, I’ll draw all men unto myself” (John 12:32). This confirms that the Light aimed to build “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, who may proclaim the praises of Him who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light” (I Peter 2:9). Jesus manifested light on the earth through His godly lifestyle, in-depth wisdom and His willingness to do His Father’s will. He urged men to walk into that same glorious life, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12).
Thus, this is a call for you to follow Jesus, as the apostles did, and they became light-bearers. As Jesus had said, “…While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light” (John 12:36). We see great evidence of this through all who believed in Him as they shone brightly and drew nations to God for salvation. Paul, after his encounter with Jesus, told the Corinthians, “Imitate me, as I imitate Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). Anyone who catches the light of Christ becomes Light!
Hence, for one to become a child of God who “shines as Light in the midst of this crooked and perverse generation” (Phil. 2:15), one must learn of Christ and imitate Him. Who better is there to teach us how to be light than Jesus himself? He says to you, “You are the light of the world, … A city set on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your father in Heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16). He admonishes you, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me” (Matt. 11:29). Yes, He calls you to “Arise and Shine!” and draw the world back to Him through your life.
This, nevertheless, does not happen overnight. It requires intentional familiarity with Jesus. So, Beloved, this message invites you to enter into a deeper intimacy with the Light of the World. Make it a point to read and learn more of the Word to draw closer to your Saviour, as James 4:8 puts it, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you”. And certainly, one thing I know of God is that he will not forsake anyone who searches for him with a diligent heart! “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
Dear chosen one of Christ, Jesus waits on you; humanity awaits your Light. Seek more of Jesus today, and unlock your identity as the “Light of the World”!
Stay Blessed!