“As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world”— John 9:5.
WHILE our Lord ministered among men He was the visible manifestation of light—His holy life casting light on every man with whom He came in contact (John 1:9). All are shown up, in the light of His perfection, as being sinful and unrighteous. The true Light casts light upon every man. When our Lord looked on to the testimony to be carried on after His return to heaven, He said, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14). This tells of our responsibility to shine as lights in a dark scene (Phil. 2:15).
“‘I am the Light’: how long in heathen darkness
Must they remain, for whom the Saviour died?
Groping in night, and lost in sin and sorrow,
When for their need the Lamb was crucified?
‘I am the Light’; but precious hearts are darkened;
This blessed gleam has never found its way;
No gospel story of salvation’s wonder
Ever has turned their hopeless night to day.
I am the Light!’ Ah, Church of Christ, arise ye!
Cast off thy chains of lethargy and greed;
Break thine unhallowed union with the worldlings;
Haste with the message! Meet the desp’rate need.”
―Alice E. Sherwood. Sel.