Jesus described himself as “the light of the world” in John 8:12. That’s an amazing description when you contemplate its meaning and implications. It’s a theme that each of the gospel writers (with the exception of Mark) used in their accounts of Jesus’ ministry. As the perfect, sinless, Son of God, Jesus was and is the radiant light of the world—and of the universe.
The stark contrast between light and darkness is perhaps the clearest, most powerful picture of the difference between those who have been redeemed by Christ and those who are perishing. Those who are being saved have been brought into the glorious light of the grace and mercy of Jesus. Those who are perishing are blindly stumbling about in sin and utter darkness. The sad state of those who are perishing is that they actually prefer the darkness.
19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. John 3:19-20
As I look at the state of the world today, it appears that the darkness is growing darker. However, that’s not really true. It’s just a perception that’s limited by my own experience of life in the 20th/21st centuries in a post-Christian nation. Spiritual darkness has always been deep and depressing and deadly. It’s just clearer now than ever before in my lifetime.
All the more reason to be drawn to the light of the world—Jesus! Amazingly, Jesus goes on to describe those of us who are being saved as “lights of the world” as well.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matt. 5:14-6
Brothers and Sisters, may our lights burn brighter and stronger than ever before as we let the light of Jesus shine forth to deliver those who are still in darkness.
Loving the Light of the world,
Tim Tomlinson
President
Bethlehem College & Seminary
Prayer Requests:
1. Please pray for those potential seminary students who are now busily finishing their applications in advance of the December 1st deadline. Pray that the Lord would guide and direct our applicants as they seek to find their place in our next year’s class of seminarians.
2. I’m sure I don’t need to ask you to pray for the election coming up next week, but please pray that whoever gets elected will uphold godly and biblical principles in their leading—even if they do it unwittingly.
3. Please keep praying for our Serious Joy Scholarship needs. Pray that the Lord will continue to raise up more partners to cover more of these scholarships!
4. Also, please be in prayer with us as we continue our search for a new faculty member for Fall 2017. Pray that the Lord would lead us to just the right person for this position.
Chapel Message, November 2
Join us Wednesdays for our weekly Chapel Service from 12:00-1:00pm.
