Jesus said: “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
It’s a promise. If you follow him you will have the light of life.
The light of life doesn’t necessarily equal happiness and freedom from care. Sometimes, yes; but not always.
The light might not always take you were you want to go; but it will take you where you need to go.
In 1983 a group named ‘Youth with a Mission’ were in Russia’s Red Square. On Easter morning they unfurled a banner which read ‘Christ is Risen!’ Some older Russians were so moved they fell to their knees and wept. The young Christians were surrounded by soldiers and put in jail. It was an act of rebellious hope. Only 10 years later, people were greeting each other openly in Red Square on Easter morning saying, “Christ is Risen!”
And you will have “the light of life.” The light might not always take you were you want to go; but it will take you where you need to go.
Or consider Ashley, a grade 12 student in Victoria, British Columbia. She befriended an elderly woman from her church who had become estranged from her family. The lady moved into a nursing home, needing not only healthcare but friendship. Ashley continued her visits (which sometimes conflicted with social outings with her friends), but she knew this was important. She would rub her elderly friend’s hands and arms, and sometimes her feet, because it soothed her when little else would.
And you will have “the light of life.” The light might not always take you were you want to go; but it will take you where you need to go.
Being a person of light will sometimes put you in danger. Other times it will bring you to your knees in servanthood. Other times it will make you seem different.
But it will always make you hopeful, useful and faithful.
“Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
That’s a promise. And it’s for you.
Notes:
—NOTICE: The Up Devotional will go on pause from August 8 to 29 while I am on vacation. It will return on August 30, 2022. You can access back issues at www.TheUpDevo.com or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Podcasts. You can also buy the latest book of devotionals called Turbulence on Amazon here.
–Bible quotes are from the NIV.
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