Daily Digest: Capstone Capsule

“I AM the LIGHT of the WORLD. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the LIGHT of LIFE” – John 8:12b

In Christ, Believers are called to release Illuminating IMPACT as LIGHT in a world of darkness: “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I AM the LIGHT of the WORLD. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the LIGHT of LIFE” (Jh.8:12). This is one of many examples in which Jesus and His disciples brought encouragement and the LIGHT of LIFE into a world of sin and darkness. Here, we see the encouraging Power of Light when a woman who was caught in the act of adultery was brought before the Lord (vv.3-4). The prevailing custom was that she be put to death (v.5). But Jesus stood up for her and asked: “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more” (vv.10b-11).

The Lord had declared in Matthew 5:14 to all who believe in Him: “You are THE LIGHT of the WORLD...” Believers are not just isolated, solitary, immobile, local lights of lamps, but the Light of the World – visible, dynamic, unstoppable, and globally impactful. JESUS, the LIGHT of the WORLD has called and empowered us to also be the Light of our world; for whoever follows Him will live in the Life-giving Light of God. He has called us out of darkness and ignited our passion to daily reflect the Life that He has so graciously given us. The presence of light in darkness is distinctive. The presence of Believers in the world must be like light in the darkness, both in terms of how the Truth of God’s Word brings light to the darkened hearts of sinful men, and also our impactful good deeds (Mt.5:16).

Matthew 5:14 and John 8:12 use the article “the” to describe Believers and the Lord Jesus Christ. Again, in John 9:5, He declared: “As long as I am in the world, I AM THE LIGHT of WORLD.” The word “the” is exclusive in use, implying that the world has no other light. Now that the Lord is no longer physically here, we are His representatives. In His place, we are the Light of the world. If we do not give light, there is no other source to which the world can turn or look for light. The world is absolutely dependent upon Believers in Christ for light!

In Christ, we are ordained to be Pacesetters by destiny. The lost, drifting, and wandering world should be able to get direction by observing our ways and steps. In Christ, we have the Light of Life – the Light for the Winning Life. Therefore, by reason of redemption, the world should be learning how to navigate the affairs of life by observing God’s Redeemed people. Are we ready for this worthy responsibility?