The Light Of Life
by Charlie Hamilton
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12 (Emphasis mine)
Let us consider for a moment what the Lord means by “the light of life.”
Just the way the Lord phrased those words (within His Word) ought to enlighten us as to its meaning.
The light OF life – in other words the light comes from the life.
So many well-meaning people throughout History have sought to obtain the light. However I believe many have missed the key element – the life.
Why do I say that?
Because people approached this spiritual matter from the wrong direction – they tried to obtain the light without first obtaining the life (being born again) and then further manifesting His life (by becoming His disciples).
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Cor 2:14 (Emphasis mine)
Let me be bold for just a moment.
Just because you go to McDonalds does not make you a hamburger and just because you go to church does not make you a disciple.
Jesus meant that following Him (as His disciples) would provide them with the light of life.
How?
By really living the life that’s in Christ we shall reflect the light that’s in Him.
In a nutshell – it’s developing an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ that will allow His life to be manifested in our lives, which will then allow the light of His glory to shine through us.
Disciples are those who follow Christ. In so doing they shall have the light of life.
Lets look at this truth in another verse.
In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain. Proverbs 16:15 (Emphasis mine)
Notice here in proverbs “in the light of the king’s countenance is life.”
Jesus is our King. His kingdom is the kingdom of light. As we follow our King he makes his face to shine upon us and his light illuminates our way.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men. John 1:4 (Emphasis mine)
Beloved we have a King and a kingdom, which cannot be shaken. In Him we live and move and have our being. In the KINGS LIFE IS THE LIGHT.
Here is God’s three-point plan for us to obtain the fullness of this life:
And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Mark 8:34 (Emphasis mine)
And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27
We need to understand that this a conditional promise. There are three specific conditions to it.
Jesus was very clear when said whosoever will (future tense) come after me…
1) Let him deny himself
2) Take up his cross (daily)
3) Follow me
Remember beloved, the light comes from the life (that’s in Christ).
To have the light we have to live the life. Jesus is both the life and light.
Jesus said… “When I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:5
Christ is our only real hope, which the Bible says is an anchor to our soul. It’s Christ in you the hope of Glory.
Just like what goes up must come down, what goes in (Christ) must come out.
Blessings,
Charlie†
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