Mornings With Jesus 2016: 7-Day DevotionalSample

Light is easy to take for granted because it shows up every morning without our help and without our consciously thinking about it. Truth is, we need it desperately:

Light enables us to see. Without it, we’re cast into pitch-black darkness.

Light sustains plant life. Without it, plants die. That means oxygen disappears. And if oxygen disappears, then other life dies too.

Light sustains earth’s temperatures. Remove it, and our planet turns into a celestial ice sphere.

Physical light sustains physical life. The same principle holds true in the spiritual realm, so it’s no wonder Jesus made this declaration: “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” ( John 8:12).

By calling Himself “the light of the world,” Jesus implied that He alone is the source and sustainer of spiritual life. Apart from Him, it cannot exist. In Him we find salvation, and in Him we are fulfilled.

Our society encourages us to look elsewhere for spiritual fulfillment, but everything it suggests is worthless. Even regular church attendance alone isn’t enough to give spiritual life and health.

Knowing Jesus and pursuing a vital relationship with Him—the Light of the world—is what gives abundant life now and eternal life tomorrow. We dare not take Him for granted for we need Him desperately. —Grace Fox

FAITH STEP: Buy a small plant and place it in a sealed paper bag or darkened place in your home for two weeks. Note the condition of its leaves when you retrieve it. Compare this to your spiritual life apart from regular time in the Light’s presence.