THE LIGHT THAT WON'T GO OUT...

This evening the sun was just beginning to set.  Tommy had been gone only minutes when the lights in the apartment went out.  No big deal.  There was still plenty of light.  While I was looking for some source of light (like a flashlight), suddenly the lights came back on.  That's good.  Then ... a bit later, they went out a second time.  Now it's a little darker than before.  This is not good.  I pulled the chain on the light in the hall.  It's supposed to be a back-up light run by a generator just in case the lights go out ~ ~ ~ but it doesn't work.  No problem, the electricity came back on, again.

Now, it's totally dark.  I still have power ... even though the clocks have to be reset and the fan won't resume it's normal cooling duties without being turned on again each time ... yes, it is great to have 'light'.

This reminds me of the world we live in.  As long as we have adequate vision of our surroundings, we are able to tolerate the lights dimming.  If we can see to continue our daily lives, we don't worry too much about the darkness settling in around us... spiritually.

Our country is getting darker as time passes.  Daily, I read about an act of human behavior that is worse than the last.

Jesus addressed a crowd one day.  And in this moment he gave us the answer for the spiritual darkness of our world.  Here's the story... in my words:

Early one morning Jesus came from the Mount of Olives to the temple and the people came to him.  He sat down.  Then He taught them.  While He was there, the scribes and pharisees brought to him a woman caught in adultery.  Do you remember how Jesus ministered in this situation?  He forgave the woman of her sin as the bystanders challenged Him ... so He bent down and wrote in the ground.  Turning to them, He challenged her accusers:  "You without sin, cast the first stone."  They were convicted and left the scene!  The youngest to the oldest!  Jesus and the woman were left alone.   

Surely, there were observers of this event, for then Jesus announced to them: "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)

Another important verse in the ninth chapter of John, Jesus declares: "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

The darker the world becomes ... the more I must have Jesus in my life.  He is the light of the world.  If I follow Him, I will not walk in darkness.  Others around me may stumble ... but my path is clear.   I will not fall.  I can function as usual.

What a definite doctrine this is!  He is my Light.  He is my guide!  I follow Him.  He is my Fountain of Light.  He is my Truth!  How wonderful it is to walk in joy because Jesus Christ lights my steps!

As spiritual darkness settles in around me... the Light must increase in my spirit.  That Light increases through the knowledge of God the Father and by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.  He is the Light of my life!  My joy of serving the Lord need not diminish.  Rather, it can and will shine all the brighter as darkness intensifies.

What a contrast!  Oh, that the Light of Jesus in me and in you will shine for all to see, leading others to this Light.

No, I won't be in spiritual darkness, even if the lights go out for there's a Power source that never diminishes.  Praise be to His Name.  Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the Light of the world!
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