Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- December 19, 2013
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. John 1:9-11
God stationed a star over Bethlehem to celebrate the birth of His son Jesus, the true light of the world. Similar to now, Jesus was the authentic shining light of salvation who was unrecognized by the world. The bright light over Bethlehem became a beacon of hope for all who believed. But like a home builder today who erects and owns a spec home, but is ignored by most at the open house, so Christ is the creator and owner of the world, but is shunned by the majority of its inhabitants. Yes, Jesus was born to light up our sin darkened world with His illuminating love.
How can so great a love go unrecognized in loveless lands around the globe or down the street? Why do some turn off the Lord’s light though it leads us down His perfect path? Simply because some love darkness more than the light. Deeds done in the darkness are somehow believed to be hidden from God’s sight. But He reveals what is done in the darkness and calls us to repent. This is why Christmas makes our culture uncomfortable. Jesus invites us to walk in the light as He is in the light. The decorative bright lights of the holiday remind us to follow the light of our Lord.
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
Furthermore, Jesus was rejected by His own. He came to heal the sick, but those with a sick soul failed to receive Him as their remedy for unrighteousness. He came to preach good tidings, but His fellow citizens assumed He was just another prophet. Jesus was rejected by those who should have know better. But, He was received by those who didn’t know any better but to believe God sent His son into the world to save them from their sins. So, receive Him now and be free indeed.
What happens once we recognize that Jesus is the light of the world? What’s next after we grow tired of groping in the darkness of fear, guilt and shame? Almighty God expects us by faith to receive Christ into our lives as our Savior and Lord. We embrace the light of His love and we walk away from our shameful ways done in the darkness. When we receive Jesus, we are purified by His blood, we walk with Him in the light and we enjoy His forever fellowship with each other!
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
Prayer: Heavenly Father, lead me to follow You, the true light of my life, and to receive Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
Related Readings: Isaiah 49:6, 53:3; Romans 13:12; Ephesians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:5; 1 John 2:8;
Post/Tweet this today: Jesus was born to light up our sin darkened world with His illuminating love. #recognizeandreceive
Blessed by these readings?: pray about giving a donation, click… http://bit.ly/KArLE5
© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
Wisdom Hunters Resources / A registered 501 c3 ministry
info@wisdomhuntersdevotional.com / www.wisdomhunters.com
