There are a lot of great songs that have been written about the light of Jesus. From classic hymns like Phillip Bliss’, “The Light of the World is Jesus” to more modern hits like Charlie Hall’s “Marvelous Light”, the light of Jesus has always brought us comfort as we seek to bask in it. There is something reassuring about light. We get energy from light. So why is it that we can sing about the light of the world, yet in reality the world grows darker every day? As followers of Jesus, what are we missing?
Jesus stated plainly that He was the light of the world (John 8:12). In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus told His followers that they were the light of the world. We must recognize that we are the light only inasmuch as we reflect the light of Jesus. If our world is growing darker, then it is because we are failing to shine the light of Jesus into the darkest areas. There is no dark so deep that the light of Jesus cannot penetrate. What will keep those areas from being illuminated is our reluctance or refusal to bring the light into the darkness. The problem is not with the light but with our reflection of it.
We reflect Jesus from the inside out. The fire of His Spirit burns within each of us who believe on His name. Satan’s chief aim is to darken our souls so that the light of Christ cannot emanate from within. Many of us are afflicted by unceasing storms that bring torrents of rain into our lives. We lose our direction and grow weary of the fight. Satan blows the cold wind of doubt and seeks to extinguish the flame that burns inside us once and for all. If we are not careful, the flame that burned so bright in the past will go cold and our effectiveness will be snuffed out.
We are all protectors of the flame. We are reflectors of His great Name. God has given us the power to withstand every attack of the enemy (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 10:13; John 16:33; Ephesians 6:16). As followers of Christ, it is our mission and our duty to shine the light of Jesus. We must never allow it to be extinguished or hidden away. We must shine brightly because our light is the light of the world. Without Jesus all that is left is ruin and despair. We bear the responsibility of bringing light to the darkest places on earth. We have been called for this purpose, and to this purpose we must go.
If we allow our candles to be blown out or worse, if we choose to hide the flame, then men and women around the world will die without the knowledge of the saving grace of Jesus. Children will languish in slavery, mothers will bury their children, and our brothers and sisters will rot in prison. The world is truly a dark place and it is up to us to light it up. Are we the light of the world, or are we refusing to answer the call?
Why are we not shining as beacons in the night? Why have we allowed the world to suffocate us with its darkness? Are we afraid? Fear has no place in the Kingdom of God. Do we not have the resources? Selfishness is of the devil. It’s time to light up the night. It’s time to let the love of Jesus shine through us. The darkness awaits; are you willing to carry the light?