The Light That Cannot Be Quenched

   
     Within the opening verses of the Gospel according to John, we read some wonderful descriptions of our Lord Jesus Christ:  “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”  These comforting words should encourage us as we meditate upon them.  Not only is there life in Christ, but He also gives us light for our way which no darkness can overcome.  We know that this secular culture in which we live brings a great deal of darkness and confusion to our lives each day, but if we are found in Christ, He will direct our steps.
     As I considered these verses, I was reminded of a trip our family took to Mammoth Cave in

Kentucky.  We were led down steps deep into the earth.  The caverns were cool and beautiful.  At one point, the guide told us we were 300 feet below the surface.  When we entered the cave, we left the natural sunlight,  but we had a well lighted path to follow.  In order for us to get the true feel of what it was like to be in a cave, the guide told us to stand perfectly still while he turned off the lights.  The darkness that enveloped us was thick.  There was not a hint of light anywhere and it was overwhelming.  Nothing was visible.  Then, the guide struck a match.  What a dramatic effect that tiny light had!  When the lights were once again turned on, the darkness was banished and we could go on with the cave tour.
     In the same way, Christ is our light in this dark world.  He is the one in whom we find real life and light.  There are several ways in which His light offers us peace.  First, with Christ as our light, confusion is sent packing.  He puts things in order because we can see with clarity what needs to be done.  This idea is put forth in the Book of Genesis.  When God created our world, it was first a formless void.  Then He spoke:  “Let there be light” (Gen. 1:3b).  The light which God brought forth not only dispelled the darkness but also brought forth life and order.  This is what Christ does as the light in our lives.  We do not need to live in the confusion of darkness in our life.  We have His light to bring order to our lives.
     Secondly, the light of Christ is revealing.  His light shows us what has always been there inside us and around us.  It awakens us to the need for salvation initially, and then, reveals daily those things which we need to change as we grow in our sanctification.  Praise God for this light of revelation.  The prophets in the Old Testament knew this.  When Isaiah was confronted by the holiness and light of God, he cried:  “Woe to me!....I am ruined!  For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5).  As God reveals to us our sinful nature, we are able to repent and seek His forgiveness.  This brings real freedom.
     Finally, as Christ is the light of our life, we are able to find daily guidance.  Certainly, we could never have easily exited that cave in Kentucky if they hadn’t turned the lights back on.  We would have stumbled and become disoriented in the darkness.  However, those lights provided safety, so we knew which way led to the exit.  This is the same way with Christ.  Our world is filled with confusion.  We get mixed messages daily, but Christ through His Word to us directs our steps if we seek His face.  We do not have to wander around aimlessly.  In addition, Christ has called us to be filled with the Holy Spirit and be “lights” to others in this world.  We are not the light, but we are to be reflectors of His light in our lives so that those around us will come to know Him by our witness.  God is so gracious in allowing us this privilege.
     Perhaps the greatest thought we need to carry with us each day is that Christ lights a path for us that no one can ever extinguish.  The darkness is no match for Him.  May we live in His light and reflect it to others as we walk daily.  In Him is life and He is the light of men!  Selah!