Daily Scripture Reading: John 8:12 KJV
John 8:12 KJV
(12) Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Today’s Devotional Is CHRIST IS OUR LIGHT
It was the Feast of Tabernacles at the time that our Lord spoke the words of our text. It is believed they were lighting two large candelabras to commemorate the fire-cloud which led the desert march. This metaphor was used by our Lord to refer to the fiery column. That was Israel’s metaphor, but it is what He is for His Church.
Israel was not able to find a way through the wilderness. The cloud was the only thing that guided Israel’s people and provided a safe place to rest at night. The cloud gathered itself from the Tabernacle where it brooded. Now the people must pitch their tents and follow. They must move from the camp site, no matter how desirable it is. No matter how difficult the desert roads are, they must follow them. However uninviting it may be, it must stop there and stay as long as it remains. To stay put was to risk wandering aimlessly through the desert until death. Only when the cloud rested did the Manna fall, the water flow or the Divine protection avail.
Resting-times are a part of our daily lives. God graciously provides green pastures and calm waters for us and invites us to lay down. He speaks to us in the midst of all the chaos and offers us a place to rest. We often fret about forced rest and keep moving, which leads to bitter regretting. Keep your place if the cloud is not moving. If you don’t know what to do next, just stop until an indication shows you the way.
There are times to act. We must pay attention to the summons of the trumpet, which is audible. The alarum is able to prompt the sleeper to rise immediately if he does not respond to its call. He soon becomes so used to the sound that it doesn’t disturb him. We will gain keenness of hearing if we become accustomed to immediate obedience. Our earthly peace and usefulness will directly correlate with our willingness to accustom ourselves to instant obedience. No, not more. Just as the train’s electric light turns on before it enters the dark tunnel, and stays on until it passes, so will the presence of Christ be present in times of special needs. I will make darkness light before them and set crooked things straight” – Isa_42.16
PRAYER for Today
Send out Thy light, Thy truth and let them guide me to my Father’s house in safety. AMEN.