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Jesus the Light of the Nations
Song: I have decided to follow Jesus (3x) Jesus is: “The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world” (John 1:9). Jesus said: “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:5). Origin of light in the bible “ 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.” (Genesis 1:1-5). “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17). “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.” (John 3:19-20). Symbol and concept of light 14 And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, (Genesis 1:14). Light here is symbolical. The opposite of light is darkness. Our world today is full of blackest darkness! What else and how else would you describe a world where sin and atrocities are committed even in the market square? How would you describe a world where some government of the nations promulgate laws that support evil? Unfortunately too, the consequences of this darkness are obvious – high rate of murder, suicide and all form of vices. All shameful and shameless things are done in the darkness. And forget it; even if these are done publicly, the perpetrators are still surrounded by darkness. Only Jesus will make your life bright and turn the darkness that surrounds you to light: “Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning.” (Job 11:17). 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). “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:5). When Jesus appeared to Paul on his way to Damascus, he said he was sending him to the Gentiles: “to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” (Acts 26:18). When the Israelites were about to begin their long journey out of Egypt to the Promised Land, God knew that they would need light – need him to guide them. So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle. “By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. (Exodus 13:21-22). You can also be led by this light by studying the word of God because: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105). “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” (Proverbs 4:18). In the dark there is confusion. In the dark you will fall and stumble and still in the dark you will be led by evil men and wicked forces. And do you know that your days here on earth are limited? Why not then walk in the light so that darkness does not overtake you and so that you will return back to God your creator at the end of your earthly journey? Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. (John 12:35). Exhortation: And I know that it doesn’t matter how hard darkness fights, it is fighting a lost battle. It doesn’t matter how intimidating the devil (the father of darkness) is, he has lost the battle because: “Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.” (1 John 2:8). Saints of God, go out there and shine. Shine in your work places, shine in your various schools, shine in your communities, shine in the Church. Just make up your minds to be the light even if the whole world decides to walk in darkness. Even if the government of the land promulgates laws supporting darkness and even if worldly ‘influential’ people walk in darkness because "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14). I know that in our days and generation, God is claiming his children back to himself. For He created all people in his image and likeness. The whole world has seen and witness great defeat and frustration because of their choice of darkness: “But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." (John 12:32). Remember you’re on a journey while on this earth and you need Jesus the light of the world to guide you safely on this journey lest you stumble and fall. The disciple of Jesus literally grew impatient and got into the boat and chose to leave Jesus behind. Perhaps they had thought to themselves that they could go alone but they got it all wrong because: “When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.” (John 6:16-21). Are you lost in this world? Is your effort fruitless? Are you fighting aimlessly? How many times has your ‘heart’ been broken by people whom you had put your hope and trust in? How many times have you failed because you tried doing it all by yourself without any guidance from the Lord? Now it is time to turn to the Lord the author of your life and all things will be right. Only when you are ‘willing’ to take Jesus into your boat will your journey be a smooth ride. The scriptures advice: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6). And also be informed that: “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labour in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.” (Psalm 127:1). I am sure you don’t want to labour in vain. And finally… 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases the Lord. 11Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: 15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:9-20).
God bless you Evang. Oseh J. B |