“Something we all need”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Saturday, August 27, 2022
John 8:12-20 (Forward, p. 29) CEV p. 1111
We folks in the industrialized Western world often forget just how privileged we are. We take for granted the conveniences that our industrial innovations have provided for us. Take, for instance, our ready access to electricity and to incandescent light bulbs—or whatever the newest equivalent happens to be. Many peoples of the world do not have either, just as did our recent ancestors. Many of our pioneers had to do with coal oil lamps or candles, such as to make homework or reading later on in the evening rather trying and difficult. And it made venturing outside to tackle chores, equipped with only a lantern, very perilous, especially in stormy or wintry weather. And for our urban ancestors of the Middle Ages it was even worse. Nighttime was a time of danger and peril, for who knew what dangers—or dangerous people--might lurk in the darkened streets. No wonder people locked their doors securely—and went to bed early.
What I have just said about the Middle Ages was no less true of Jesus’ time. And so, what He says about Himself being the light of the world is most attractive. A light in the darkness would be most welcome, such as to make venturing out, walking, in the darkened streets so much safer and enjoyable. In one sense, a light in the darkness would indeed bring life. Such a light is something that everyone needed back then.
But, of course, Jesus is speaking of Himself as being the light, not in any literal, physical sense, but in a more metaphorical, spiritual sense. And indeed, our world is full of darkness, full of lurking perils and threats to our well-being. Here Jesus’ role is most crucial: He shows us the way, leads us along these difficult paths, and protects us on route. Indeed, such help is something that people needed back then and that we all need today as well. Sadly, there were people back then who disputed His claim, debated its merits, and of course, refused to accept His help. Likewise, there are people even today who do the same. However, His help, His light, is something we all yearn for and need desperately, and so let us turn to Him, listen to Him and receive His help and direction as found in His word. Amen.
Forward notes: “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life’” (verse 12).
“In August 2017, we traveled 10,500 feet up Rendezvous Mountain in Wyoming to see the total solar eclipse. It was a beautiful day. Even the deep shadows across the canyon were transfixed by the glorious vibrancy of the sunlight. Holding telescopes and cameras, we waited impatiently for the moment. Then it happened.
“As the moon’s shadow inexorably devoured the light, everything—humans, birds, cicadas—quieted down until the stillness was almost palpable. Darkness. Silence. It truly felt as if the end of life itself was approaching.
“Then, a glimmer appeared, birds started chirping, and then glory, hallelujah! The sun began to shine with ever-increasing brightness, as if Jesus were there saying, ‘I am the light of the world!’
“Often, we allow despair to eclipse his light. Yet his light is always there. The way up the mountain may be difficult, but he will light our path, and the sun will shine again.”
Moving Forward: “Pray for Jesus to help open your eyes to the light.”