JESUS--THE GREAT I AM

      When Jesus spoke..., 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

      Since Jesus' physical miracles often taught a spiritual lesson, it is little wonder that soon after He teaches that He is "the light of the world", Jesus heals the man that was blind from birth. (John 9) Giving light to blind eyes in the physical world is a wonderful picture of how He enables one who was formally spiritually blind to see the spiritual world.

      Many Bible teachers believe that Jesus was teaching these words during or right after the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles. One of the most beautiful ceremonies connected with this feast was "The Illumination of the Temple." Every evening at dark, great candelabra were lit in the Temple court, and the light could be seen all over Jerusalem. There were musical instruments accompanying singing and praising. When the first cock crowed in the morning, the people worshiped the Lord for His gift of light and the new day. This was to remind them of when God led the Israelites out of Egypt at night. "And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud to lead them in the way; and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light." (Exodus 13:21-22) In Jewish thought, light was a supreme manifestation of God's glory. (Exodus 40:30-35) Jesus, who is Himself the ultimate fulfillment of all Old Testament ceremonies, chose this time to present Himself as God's True Light--the Light of the World.*

      What does this mean to us today? Spiritual darkness is associated with sin and a lack of knowledge of God. As we personally choose to be with Jesus (and it is a choice)--to read His Word, to follow Him by faith in our daily life--then we begin to walk in His Light, to grow in our knowledge and understanding of spiritual truths. We can leave behind the darkness of uncertainty and confusion, and walk with wisdom and confidence with Him. He shows us the way. This takes a commitment for life that is made on a daily basis. Long term vows are kept through short term commitments. Today I choose Jesus.

      Remember in a cartoon, when someone finally understands or knows what to do in a situation, a light bulb appears over their head? As we walk in His light, we can be a light to others around us. Is the light on in your life? Is it a twenty watt or a flood light?!

      Becky
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      *Edersheim, The Temple, Its Ministry and Services, pp. 283-284.