John 8:12-13 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” The Pharisees therefore said to Him, “You bear witness of Yourself; Your witness is not true.”
It was obvious that the Pharisees understood exactly what Jesus was claiming when He made the statement that He is the Light of the world. He was in the Temple area where the candles were lit and burning; a symbol of how God appeared and led Israel out of Egypt, as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. In Exodus 13 we read the account of how God showed Israel that He was present with them, and how He was protecting them and guiding them. It was evident by the Pharisees' response that they knew that this was the reference Jesus was making, and that in saying what He said, He was claiming to be God Himself, and their Messiah. Yet, they chose to reject Him. Today, Jesus is still the Light who is ever present with those of us who have trusted Him, called upon His Name, and accepted Him as Savior and Lord. He has promised to never leave us, nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6). He is our Protector. Just as He stood between Israel and the Egyptians in the wilderness; today He stands between us and the world, and reminds us that when tribulations come, we have His peace, and in Him we can overcome, as He has already overcome the world and its challenges and persecutions. God has also given us His Holy Word to be a lamp unto our feet and light unto our path, so that we do not stumble in darkness. Jesus is the Light who dispels the darkness and the fear associated with it. God has also given us the Holy Spirit to seal us and make our bodies His temple and dwelling place here on earth. The Light of the world wants to shine His light brightly through us so that we can be the light and salt He has called us to be; while at the same time He reminds us that He is always present, always protecting us, and always available to guide us.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13).
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