Trees bowed in the wind as purple clouds rumbled in the sky. Within hours, Hurricane Floyd surrounded Hampton Roads. Trapped in our home by torrential rain and a raging storm just shy of a Category 5 with winds up to 155 miles per hour, my two littles and I cowered beneath a stairway closet with a flashlight for company. I was grateful we could depend on the Light of the world when all other lights had been extinguished.

 

What Does Light of the World Mean?

What does light of the world mean? Light comes from phos which means the manifestation of God’s self-existent life; divine illumination to reveal and impart life, through Christ. World, translated from the Greek kosmos, has the intent of the world’s people in this phrase.

Jesus, the manifest and divine representation of God’s life-giving power to all people, dispels darkness.

When Christ spoke these radical words, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life”, (John 8:12 NKJ) anger stirred within the hearts of the leaders.

Only God was light. Only God was pure. (1 John 1:5) They understood Jesus meant He was the Lord incarnate.

When the Jewish leaders contested Christ’s authority, He challenged them to find any sin in Him. No one came forward. Finally, Christ said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” (John 8:58 NKJV)

 

How is Jesus the Light of the World?

Depending upon one’s perspective, light fits multiple frameworks. Encyclopedia Britannica contends that “the physicist is interested in the physical properties of light, the artist in an aesthetic appreciation of the visual world.” True.

Light:

-determines the way in which we perceive the world

-impacts growth

-penetrates darkness

-provides the ability to see

The Thinkers Bible Studies lists several other spiritual and physical characteristics common to light.

As Christians, Jesus impacts our lives in the same way. He transforms our lives—guiding, growing, guarding, and giving us insight as we mature in the faith. More than that, He changes us day by day. And through the shedding of old habits and hurts we learn the way of humility and the love of Light.  By following His example, we can each make a difference by sharing His light with others.

A few ideas are listed below.

He changes us day by day. And through the shedding of old habits and hurts we learn the way of humility and the love of Light. Click To Tweet

Practical Ways We Can Share Christ’s Light with Others

1. Snail Mail If your love language is exhortation, why not write notes of encouragement or send cards to other people? Consider starting a small group or ministry with like-minded people or spend one hour each month engaging in this activity yourself or with your family. Include a favorite Bible verse in each note.
2. Intercessory Prayer We can pull down strongholds through our prayers. Keeping a prayer journal of those who come to faith and for those whom we pray is a powerful testimony to His goodness and a boost to our faith. Pray for: angry drivers, those being shuttled in an ambulance, firefighters and police officers in transit, and clerks or others who seem frazzled when they assist you.
3. Volunteer Regularly Whether you invest your time with a church group or in a cause within the community, pouring time into others gives them the opportunity to see Jesus with skin on. People need to know they matter.
4. Use the talents and gifts God has given you. My daughter bakes the most incredible pastries and often encourages others with something fresh from the oven. Perhaps you sew, knit, sing, organize, or teach. God uniquely gifted each person, and your skills and abilities are needed.

 

In these days of upheaval, I sometimes forget that Light has already overcome. He is the victor.  Bible verses like those listed below remind me of His power, permanence, and omnipresence.

 

Ten Powerful Bible Verses About Light

• Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105 NASB)
• And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. (John 1:5 NASB)
• The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? (Psalm 27:1 NASB)
• But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light… (1 Peter 2:9 NASB)
• But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7 NASB)
• Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. (Isaiah 60:1 NASB)
• The people who walked in darkness, Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,Upon them a light has shined. (Isaiah 9:2 NASB)
• You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. (1 Thessalonians 5:5 NASB)
• …open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ (Acts 26:18 NASB)
• The city had no need of the sun or the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. (Revelation 21:23 NASB)

 

What are the favorite ways in which you share Christ’s love? Are there other Bible verses about His light that you love? I’d love to know.

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Tammy Kennington

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