“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.’” John 8:12
When Jesus said, “I am the light of the world”, He was defining himself. He was saying, “I know who I am.” If somebody asked you that question, what would be your reply? Six years ago today, Normal, IL became my home and now I can finally proclaim that I am finally ‘normal’ on this side of Heaven but I will also tell you that I am a sinful human being who is saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. I imagine that the majority of this world will not tell you that they are sinful; it’s really not a secret that nobody knows and can’t be hidden. The three Haitian girls in the attached photo are like me, sinful human beings who are redeemed.
I did a Google search and found that there are at least 18 times in the Bible where Jesus said, “I am” and then gave a description. He described himself as the door, the bread of life, the way, the truth, the resurrection, and the life. Over and over, He defined Himself; Jesus knew who he was and, as a result, He was not under any pressure.
Jesus understood his identity and it’s crucial that you, me and these three school children understand ours too. When you’re unsure about your identity, you’ll be pressured to fit into other people’s molds that this world says are ‘normal’ or ‘acceptable’. They will try to make you what they think you should be, rather than who God made you to be.
The Bible says you were created by God. You are deeply loved by him. You are accepted as you are. Our Heavenly Father has a plan for your life. When you understand this, you’ll find yourself free to serve other people; in your home town and in foreign places.
Jesus constantly did things that surprised everyone else, because He was free; He felt no pressure to meet people’s or this world’s expectations. He chose to serve others, regardless of how it might be perceived. He washed his disciples’ feet; something they were too insecure to do for each other. You, me and these three bright faces can find a sense of security in knowing that each of us, sinful as we may be, are dearly loved and accepted as a child of God. There’s no need to pretend to be anyone else.
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you…Jay