Shattering the DarknessSample

The Light of Life

Reflection:

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12 (NIV)

Shadows can be fun and frightening. As a child, you probably tried everything to outrun your shadow by zigzagging across the yard and darting between the trees, but most of the time, it followed you relentlessly. It was an entertaining but exasperating game. Then, there were times when your shadow unexpectedly startled you and sent you running for help.

What can’t light do? It can’t bend, and it can’t cast a shadow. I’ve never been very good at science, but I have observed that a flashlight's beam of light can’t go around corners. If you shine a flashlight or any kind of light on a burning candle, the body of the candle casts a shadow, but there is no evidence of a flame in the shadow. When the light traveling in a straight line hits the candle, the light is blocked from going through it, but the flame does not block the light.

Application:

God’s love cannot bend or be distorted, and it never blocks the light of His love. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.: Romans 8:38 (NIV) You can count on God’s love. Nothing blocks it from covering you.

There is a scene in My Portion Forever, the novel I wrote, in which a storm suddenly leaves Tanna and her two young children in total darkness. The terrified children are comforted by Tanna’s prayer: “Jesus, being in the dark can be scary, but we know we never have to be afraid because you will never leave us, and your love shines light into a dark world. Thank you for loving us and bringing us safely to our warm home.” Let God be your “portion forever.” He’s waiting for you.

Prayer:

You are all we need, Lord. There can never be darkness in the midst of your love. Thank you for leading and protecting us in this world darkened by sin. Your light shatters the darkness.