"Light" Check

Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.” After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them. [John 12.35-36]

Let's do a "Light" check, shall we?

Back up and review another instance Jesus spoke of Himself as "Light:"

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.” [John 9.1-5]

Then look back further at this:

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. [John 1.1-5]

What can we gather from these passages about the "Light?"

First, Jesus is the Light.

Light dispels darkness. Darkness is overwhelming and disabling, however, it is powerless against the Light.

The presence of Jesus is directly correlated to the power of God. The Light of Jesus reveals the Kingdom of God in and through the children of the Light.

Jesus brought His Light to everyone. Trusting in Him makes one a child of the Light. As Jesus is the Son of God, so, Jesus' followers are son's of the Light. As the Father sent Jesus, Jesus sent His followers "in the Light."

Jesus is present today in His people. Jesus' Light, the very power of God, is present today in the children of Light.

This is no doubt why Jesus is on record of having said:

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. [John 14.12]

One clue that self-proclaimed Christians need to "check up" is the lack of direction in their lives. Without "Light" it is impossible to see. Is it not pitifully ironic that "knowing the will of God" is such a mystery among "Christians?" 

Another clue is the overwhelming absence of power in the so-called Christian's life that screams "I am a fraud" much louder than words could ever convey. For all the declarations, songs, and mantras of 'power' among those who claim Christianity, should it not it not be alarmingly disturbing that so few miracles actually manifest? This should be especially poignant when the "believer" compares his or life to Jesus Who said His followers would do the same things He did and even greater things!

Yes, these words are unpleasant. But, they should be. When our house is on fire, and utter devastation is imminent, it is not the time for verbal pleasantries, but instead for shouts of warning and subsequent lunges of action!

A simple "Light" check reveals that the "Lights" are out in far too many individuals and churches claiming otherwise.

The root problem is one of obedience and faith. In fact, the root problem is lack of the obedience of faith. That is why Paul's prayer over the Thessalonian church is so important:

So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. [2 Thessalonians 1.11]

The power of God's Light is turned on in the obedience of faith. The Light of the World (Jesus) shines brightly in response to the prompting of faith. The Light is God's, the Standard is Jesus.

It is time we get serious about our "Light" check and quit saying "we see" when in fact we are wandering in darkness (evidenced by all the bumps, bruises, and brokenness left in the wake of our lives).

Father, the gauntlet laid out here presents as much a challenge for me as it does for any who read this. Help us to get serious in our faith - understanding that the "Light" check is as simple as flipping a switch at home to see if the power is on... Let us not be found guilty of claiming to see and hear while clearly understanding nothing.