WATCHWORD:
Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12
Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5
The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. Matthew 4:16
Meditation:
Greatest of All Time
I like the references to light that we find in the Scriptures. So many of them are on our lists of “favorites”. I especially love the book of John and we often reference passages in the writing of these meditations. No one is better at capturing the Impact of Jesus on humanity. His redemptive life and death have benefited all people, including those who rejected him. He is a light that shines on the just and the unjust.
I believe, too often, when we study the Bible, gather in groups to discuss content, look into the life and times of Jesus, we focus on his stories, on his parables, and his compassion. Somewhere in all of those discussions, and commentaries we sometimes lose, pardon the expression, the “human Jesus” whose impact has shaped so much of what is right in this world.
In his book, Face to Face with Jesus, Randy Alcorn makes this statement: “The model of Christ, his grace and truth, his elevation of women and conciliatory words, has created greater freedom and civil rights within many societies throughout history.”
Kenneth Latourette, who wrote seven books in the early 20th century, detailed the History of the Expansion of Christianity. His books are not only interesting, but a treasure trove of historic fact and assumptions. The first of his series, written in 1937, gives insight into the first five centuries of Christianity, and is most helpful when considering that was happening during the first 100 years. The seventh in the series, published in 1945, provides glimpses of the continuing influence of Jesus into modern times. Contained in that final volume is this statement:
As the centuries pass, the evidence is accumulating that… Jesus is the most influential life ever lived on this planet.
Think of that. This is the creator God that made the universe. This is our personal Lord and Savior. This is the Holy Spirit that resides within us. Almighty God. This is the Light of the World. There is none greater. Amen.
Bulletin Board:
John 1:9 — The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. Light is a symbol of life, knowledge, and goodness. In this verse, we are reminded that Jesus is the “true light.” “True” here is from the Greek word alethinos. This means something “equal in every possible respect, sharing the same nature and reality.” In other words, Christ is the “one and only, absolutely perfect, real and true light. In other words, Greatest of all Time! That calls for an amen!
Prayer:
God, our Father, with you there is no darkness. Your character has no shadows, and you are pure and good. Yet in our broken world, we see so much darkness around us. Pain, sickness, and disease are in our community and in many of our homes.
Bring your light and restoring presence to the dark places in our lives. Bring your hope to hearts that feel defeated. Bring your love and compassion to those in pain.
Give us faith to say with the psalmist, Lord, you light my lamp; my God illuminates my darkness. May your light of hope shine in the darkness for families today. Show us glimpses of your presence with us and the comfort you bring.
In the busyness of today, help us to take a moment to be still and sit with you. To slow down, breathe deeply, and release our burdens to your strong hand. You are trustworthy, good, and true, and we thank you for caring for us so deeply and beautifully. Open our eyes to see you at work today. Give us your light. In Jesus name, Amen.
