John 8:12 includes one of the most profound "I Am" statements made by Jesus:

"Jesus spoke to them again: "I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.'"

John 8:12 CSB

Throughout the Bible, there is a theme of light as more than just a guiding force; it is a beacon of divine wisdom and grace. Light lays bare our flaws and the shadows within us, leading us to God's truth and justice. As we walk in the light, embracing its principles, we move closer to the hope of resurrection and renewal, just as Christ did. This beautiful truth, encapsulated in the simple metaphor of light, is a powerful symbol of our spiritual journey, guiding us towards understanding and growth.

We learn in John 1 that Jesus, the ultimate beacon of light, descends to illuminate a world shrouded in darkness. It's like we've been living underground for ages, oblivious to the brilliance of daylight, lost in a realm of sin, rebellion, and ignorance. But then, Jesus breaks into the scene like a sudden burst of sunlight in a pitch-black room, startling and revealing truths we were too blind to see.

Jesus depicts our sins as the darkness we retreat into for our misdeeds. It's under the cover of night that we often find ourselves succumbing to temptations we'd never entertain in the light of day. The darkness becomes our accomplice, allowing us to indulge in forbidden acts away from prying eyes. And when confronted with the light—both literally and metaphorically—we recoil, for it exposes our sins in their raw, unfiltered state.

Facing our true selves honestly is challenging because we've convinced ourselves that we're doing just fine. We can deceive ourselves into believing that our good deeds outweigh the bad. But when Jesus appears, shining light on our lives, He reveals a treasure trove of misdeeds we've accumulated. In that stark light, we feel convicted, shattered, and filled with regret, so we retreat into the darkness. The devil we know is better to us than the God we don't, because the devil doesn't make us deal with our shortcomings. He leads us to appreciate them.

It is crucial that we recognize the relationship between being in the light and following Jesus. Since the fall of mankind in Genesis 3, it has been the will of human beings to believe that to walk in light is to walk in freedom from anyone and anything. Yet Jesus speaks clearly: Freedom is found in submission to Him.

Living under God's light is like stepping into a bright room after being in the dark for so long. At first, it may hurt your eyes, shock you, maybe even make you wary, but as you bask in that light, your eyes adjust. Darkness starts feeling uncomfortable, and light becomes your norm. It's a transformation—one that exposes falsehood, unrighteousness, and evil for what they are.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:5, we're reminded that we are children of light, not of darkness. Titus 1:3 tells us that God's Word shines its light on us at the appointed time. By staying in the light, God reveals Himself through His Word. In Christ, we are part of a chosen people, a royal priesthood, called out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). Living in God's light means being part of something bigger—God's plan and His family. You become a priest, glorifying God for the light that has transformed you.

"If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin."

1 John 1:7 CSB

Walking in the light (1 John 1:7) grants you forgiveness and purification from sin. It connects you with God and others. When you love others, extending grace as God has to you, darkness dissipates, and reconciliation happens. In Revelation, we catch a glimpse of the future—a new heavens and new earth where light reigns, where darkness has no place, and God's glory illuminates everything.

Imagine stepping into this new earth, bathed in God's pure light, where darkness is no more. In this ultimate reign, God's light shines through us, and there is no room for darkness. Let's embrace the light, for it aligns with our created purpose—it's where we thrive. In that everlasting light, in the kingdom of God, darkness is but a mere memory.

To learn more about the "I Am" statements in John, see "The Gospel of John: I AM Statements" Bible Study.

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