Archive Poster : May 2014
One evening many years ago I saw something I'll never forget. A performer had painted phosphor on a white wall in a large auditorium. Then, with everyone seated, he turned off the lights. Suddenly there was a bright flash of light for a millisecond - and then again at lengthy intervals. With each flash of light the man was revealed in a different pose in front of the wall.
Next, the most amazing thing was seen. As the light switched off, the performer walked away leaving the silhouette of his pose captured on the wall, but fading slowly. The audience could only wait, anticipating another flash of light to repeat the effect. It was mesmerising and made me think about how every day we take constant light for granted. And each fading pose was a reminder that all life's great events are passing - that life is short. If this life is all there is then our fading memory is the only light by which we can mark our existence.
Yet when Jesus came he declared confidently that there is more than this life. He spoke of an eternal age. Although he lived in a regional town, was a carpenter's son and he had nothing particularly attractive about his appearance, Jesus made outrageous claims.
For example, a number of times he asserted that, in fact, he was 'The light of the World'. "Whoever follows me" Jesus said, "will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Which is dangerous or delusional if false. Yet, Jesus' life, actions and words made (and continue to make) His claims seem reasonable. Hardened sceptics and cynics through the ages have decided to follow Jesus after concluding that he really is the 'good shepherd' or 'the true vine' or the 'door' by which we enter heaven or 'the bread of life' or 'the resurrection and the life' and even, 'the way, the truth and the life'.
... all of which are claims Jesus made about himself. Claims that point to a great hope.
The performer I saw that evening tried artfully in a dark room to capture light for the smallest of fleeting moments. But Jesus is the light of the whole world, promising any and every person that if they come to him he will shine light in their lives sustaining them into all eternity.
So, while all else fades make a choice for eternity to see and understand everything by the light of Jesus.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you that Jesus is the light by which we can see and understand you and your love.
John 8:12: Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
