As people in India and around the world celebrate festival of Light this week, I take this time to reflect on what Jesus taught about Light and how we should follow his teachings on it.
John 8:12 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.”
Jesus is the Light of the world, and when He enters our lives, darkness is driven away. The darkness of sin, curses, evil desires, and worldly rituals all vanish in His presence. Anything dark cannot remain where His light shines in our lives.
How will this light come to us ?
Romans 10:9-10 '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. '
The Light Jesus brings is not just for Christians but for everyone, both believers and non-believers. Nowhere in the Bible does it say this Light is limited to a specific group of people.
It is through faith that this Light illuminates our lives. But what is this faith? God’s Word gives us the promise of how faith can turn into Light.
Paul speaks how we profuse with our Mouth “Jesus is the Lord”
When we declare this faith with our mouths and believe in our hearts that “Jesus is Lord,” something transformative happens: by faith, we are saved.
Being saved means being accepted as followers of Christ by faith. These changes occur in the unseen realm. Faith is invisible, and the saving work it brings is also invisible to our human eyes.
Once we have this faith, God will never put us to shame, not only in this world but also in the life to come. Romans 10:11 'As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” '
Jesus is the God of salvation, delivering us from the power of sin. - Romans 10:13 'for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” '
Even those who are already in Christ can use this faith to grow from being spiritual infants to mature Christians. As we profess and renew our faith, it strengthens us.
This faith compels us to follow Jesus, not merely by listening to pastors or elders but by reading His Word in the Bible. The Word of God can set us free, driving out darkness. It acts like a hammer that breaks the rock of sin. Jeremiah 23:29 '“Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord , “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? '
The Word of God transforms us. As we pray, He grants us the grace to overcome sin, making us more like Him each day. This leads to a closer fellowship with God and with others, transforming us from a state of unrighteousness to righteousness.
What does this light do to us ?
1 John 1:7 '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. '
His light guides us into a deeper fellowship with Him.
What is fellowship? Fellowship refers to a sense of community and shared purpose, where individuals come together with mutual support for a common interest or cause. There are various forms of fellowship in world such as social, religious, academic, or professional. Here the fellowship thats said is to make us personal with him, we share a fellowship like how a friend would hang out with some one, Jesus longs to hang out with us, the fellowship of husband / wife is with love, he fellowships like that. Not like the worldly one.
The light of God leads us into a fellowship with Him, where we are purified by the precious blood of Jesus, cleansing us from all sin. The old self is gone, and we are renewed from within, enabling us to turn away from everything that is ungodly and unholy. Titus 2:11-12 'For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, ‘
Matthew 5:14-16 ' “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. '
There is another step of transformation that happens, where the light that made us flee from all darkness to say “No” to ungodly things, makes others see as Light, the same light of Jesus in us.
We are changed to become lights in the world. We can no longer keep this light to ourselves. Instead, our self-centered nature is transformed so that we desire to share this light with others. For example, a person who was once a drunkard, after experiencing the cleansing and transforming power of the light of Jesus, shares the testimony of how he was saved and freed from his addiction. Many people in Christ have left behind old lives full of darkness and now live in the goodness of Christ, demonstrating the awe-inspiring transformation He brings.
This story of transformation cannot remain hidden. It becomes evident and visible to others. Just as a hardened person becomes softened or someone who once spoke evil is transformed, this change stands out. As Jesus says, a lamp is not lit to be placed under a bowl; instead, it is put on a stand to give light to everyone in the house. In the same way, our transformed lives shine brightly for all to see.
Light Transforms us to Grow like Christ
1 Timothy 6:16 'who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. '
Our God is immortal and dwells in a place that no one has ever seen or can see. His radiant light is so powerful and unapproachable, even by the vastness of the universe and galaxies.
There are new age teachings that claim no one can truly die, but don’t be misled. Only one is eternal and immortal: Jesus, who reigns forever as the ruler of life.
He is beyond death, and His immortality is everlasting. By walking in His light through faith, we are blessed to trust in our unseen, immortal God.
How does he transform us ?
He imparts the life of Christ to us, transforming us daily as we grow in fellowship with Him. John 1:4 'In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. '
His word gives us spirit and life to make us stronger and better to lead a spirit filled life. John 6:63 'The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. '
He gives us the “Spirit of faith” enabling us to trust Him even when circumstances seem unfavorable. This faith assures us that He will bless, fight for us, and deliver us from sin. John 20:29 'Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” '
The light He shines in our lives cannot be contained. Through us, He reaches others who are unsaved, drawing them to Christ and empowering us to reflect His light. Philippians 2:5 'In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: '
Many people begin in the light but eventually drift into darkness, falling into a backslidden life. To keep the light shining and transform us daily, we must focus on Jesus and the qualities He has. Use him as your reference point in Spiritual transformation, not your pastor or any elder.
He lived a life of humility. Even though He is the Son of God, He chose to live a humble and obedient human life. Hebrews 5:8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered
He embodied holiness. Jesus never sinned, and through His purity and holiness, we are saved by His precious blood- Hebrews 13:12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood.
He demonstrated God’s love. Jesus loved everyone, even Satan and His enemies, harboring no hatred. His love reflects God’s love, who sent His only Son to be a blameless sacrifice for our sins.- 1 John 4:9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
He lived a Spirit-led life. Jesus walked closely with God and obeyed Him daily. He acted according to God’s timing, as shown when Peter healed the lame man at the temple gate, leading many to Christ. Acts 3:6-8 'Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. '
He was committed to doing God’s will. Jesus lived to fulfill God’s purpose, dedicating His entire life to accomplishing it.- John 4:34 ' “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. ' / John 6:38 'For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. '
The light of Christ calls every one of us to be evangelists and disciples. Revival is not just the responsibility of pastors; it is the mission of every Christian. The light empowers and guides us to become evangelists, and through the flame of His fire, He renews and equips us to do His work. Hebrews 1:7 'In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.” '
How to Test if You Are Walking in the Light ?
Many may claim to have faith, but true faith should manifest in a fellowship with Christ and a visible light that transforms the lives of others. Here are some key indicators to help you examine whether you are living a Spirit-filled life as a disciple who carries the cross daily, allowing the light of Jesus to shine through you:
Spiritual warfare - Do you experience spiritual battles in your daily life? Living for Christ often brings struggles and righteous suffering. Yet, even in these battles, you should have a sense of joy as God uses them to mature you.
Burden for Souls - Do you feel a burden for the lost? God’s burden for souls will be placed on your heart, driving you to pray for those who don’t know Jesus and to intercede selflessly for others’ needs, rather than focusing inward.
Joy in Trials and Difficulties – Are you able to find joy even in hardships? Serving God often means facing trials as a result of spiritual warfare. Yet, this joy is connected to your dependence on Christ. 2 Corinthians 12:10 'That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. '
Spiritual Wisdom – Do you seek and receive wisdom from God? This wisdom is different from worldly knowledge. It equips you to navigate challenges from a divine perspective. James 1:5 'If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. '
Dependence on Him Through Prayer – Are you relying on God through prayer? Instead of depending on your own strength / own past experience / own worldly position or possession ? Seek God’s power to overcome spiritual struggles and receive His guidance. Prayer is the way He reveals His mysteries and leads you according to His will. Ephesians 6:18 'And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
The word says there is fruit of light, when we follow the light, it has goodness, righteousness and truth. Purse that to stay in light and earn the fruits of light
Ephesians 5:8-10 'For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. '
Amen