Post by foxjj on Dec 5, 2022 8:30:25 GMT
The True Light
In his gospel, John describes the significance of Jesus becoming flesh and living among us in this way: “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1:9-13. NIV)
These verse’s of John’s gospel make a powerful reference to the two spiritual kingdoms in our world. The one kingdom keeps people in darkness concerning their spiritual need. In contrast, the other kingdom is The Light of God’s Truth. The Kingdom of God brings a light onto our path of life when we enter by way of acknowledging our need, and reliance, upon Jesus’ sacrifice at Calvary on our behalf. He is The One who proclaimed: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”(John 14:6)
Whilst going through trials, we who are followers of The Lord Jesus, have the assurance that total reliance upon our Savior will bring peace and comfort. For who else is there to turn too when our world is shaken? Is He not The Good Shepherd who knows you and I personally? Knows our strengths and weaknesses, our joys and sorrows? Therefore, with confidence we can say:
“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:1-4)
Whilst writing to the believers in Rome, Paul wrote the following as an encouragement for all who seek salvation: “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile —the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”(Romans 10:9-13)
How a person handles life’s troubles depends largely on their spiritual condition. If I know that am forgiven, and all is well with my soul, I can face all that life throws at me with confidence because of Jesus, The True Light who came in order to Redeem sinful humanity. As an assurance that The Lord is an ever present help, remember the comforting promise that has been passed down through the years. A promise that you and I can take too heart, especially at a time such as the world is now experiencing: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Today, let us give thanks for our knowledge of Jesus The True Light for our world.
John Joseph Fox.
In his gospel, John describes the significance of Jesus becoming flesh and living among us in this way: “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1:9-13. NIV)
These verse’s of John’s gospel make a powerful reference to the two spiritual kingdoms in our world. The one kingdom keeps people in darkness concerning their spiritual need. In contrast, the other kingdom is The Light of God’s Truth. The Kingdom of God brings a light onto our path of life when we enter by way of acknowledging our need, and reliance, upon Jesus’ sacrifice at Calvary on our behalf. He is The One who proclaimed: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”(John 14:6)
Whilst going through trials, we who are followers of The Lord Jesus, have the assurance that total reliance upon our Savior will bring peace and comfort. For who else is there to turn too when our world is shaken? Is He not The Good Shepherd who knows you and I personally? Knows our strengths and weaknesses, our joys and sorrows? Therefore, with confidence we can say:
“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:1-4)
Whilst writing to the believers in Rome, Paul wrote the following as an encouragement for all who seek salvation: “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile —the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”(Romans 10:9-13)
How a person handles life’s troubles depends largely on their spiritual condition. If I know that am forgiven, and all is well with my soul, I can face all that life throws at me with confidence because of Jesus, The True Light who came in order to Redeem sinful humanity. As an assurance that The Lord is an ever present help, remember the comforting promise that has been passed down through the years. A promise that you and I can take too heart, especially at a time such as the world is now experiencing: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Today, let us give thanks for our knowledge of Jesus The True Light for our world.
John Joseph Fox.