I am the light of the world (part 7 in the I AM series)

Deep, thick darkness in first century Israel, where you are living, is unavoidable. At sunset, the only light that anyone has is a bonfire outside, or, inside, small clay oil lamps. Potential thieves and evil spirits lurking in the shadows are a constant source of fear. The darkness is a reminder of the uncertainty of life and of the smallness of humanity, when faced with the unpredictability of a world without light.

You live on a narrow, crowded street, a stone's throw from the great temple in Jerusalem - you know the stories of your people, the dreams and hopes of a nation whose heart has  yearned for the coming of her Messiah - the One you have heard about since you were only small.

This evening in the ancient city, you, once again, join the crowds, young and old, for this part of the Feast of Tabernacles, in order to remember, to celebrate, to anticipate. As the great ceremony called the "Illumination of the Temple," begins, you gaze at the ritual lighting of four golden oil-fed lamps in the Court of Women. Young men of priestly lineage climb the huge seventy-five feet high menorahs or candelabras to trim wicks made from their own worn out clothing. With their lighting, you are reminded of the pillar of fire that had guided your ancestors by night, for forty years of wilderness.

As the flames rise high into the blackness of the sky, you are staggered by the tremendous light that is being generated in your world as yet untouched by electricity - a source of such great brilliance that the whole city of Jerusalem is set ablaze with light. Some even say that the light represents God's Shekinah glory that once filled the temple.

In celebration and anticipation, the holiest of Israel's men, armed with flaming torches, whirl and dance beneath their glow to the music of harps, lyres, cymbals, and trumpets, singing psalms of joy and praise before the Lord*. This festival is a reminder that God had promised to send a light, the Light, to a sin-darkened world. That God had promised to send the Messiah to renew Israel's glory, release her from bondage, to restore her joy.

Imagine when, later, on the eighth day, after the last candle has been snuffed out, the festive booths removed and the rejoicing has been replaced by the more solemn Sabbath worship, you then hear Jesus teaching in the Temple courtyard. He has just returned from the Mount of Olives where He spent the night. It’s not actually surprising that He’s teaching today because studying the Scriptures is of particular significance at the Feast of Tabernacles. It’s the season when the scrolls are drawn from their hiding place to illuminate the people of God with His Word*

You have been somewhat distracted, but your mind is jolted when you hear him announce, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Now that the artificial light of the lamps has gone out, the people’s attention, including yours, is drawn to Jesus and the astounding statement that He IS the one whose light will never die, whose light will banish death and spiritual darkness from the whole world.

You experience the collision of two realities as revelation dawns - these extraordinary words and what we’ve always believed - IS HE saying what He seems to be saying? Connecting Himself to the God of everlasting light?

These are astounding claims that would have attracted attention both positive and negative, but His intended meanings would have been very, very clear to everyone in His original audiences, regardless of their response.

But what of us, today - in another era, in the twenty-first century world? In our cities we can forget that real dense darkness even exists. It's so easily chased away with electric lights not to mention streetlights, neon signs, headlights, and glowing screens.

I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12).

There are days, seasons, even years when we can’t seem to see where we’re going—nothing makes sense of what’s going on in our lives - of the waiting, the pain, the loneliness. But while the brilliant light of the lamps lit for the light ceremony were always destined to fade, and worldly knowledge and understanding do not satisfy, there is still a light powerful enough to bring comfort and consolation to our apparent darkness.

We reach out to Jesus who promises that He, the light of the world, walks with us.  As we follow holding tightly to Him, He will lead and guide us through, and out the other side into a broad space.

So, if today, you are feeling a little lost, facing uncertainties and unsure of what lies ahead, remind yourself that God who is light, sees you.

Tilt your head and allow yourself to gaze up at the brightness of God’s everlasting, abiding presence, and at the truth of His eternal Word that says that you do not actually walk in darkness, even though it sometimes feels like you do!

*Jewishroots.net
Sam Nadler, Messiah in the Feasts of Israel
Israelglory.org