Walking in the Light

Have you ever walked in complete darkness? I mean when its really dark. Maybe in a cave deep below ground or in a back room shielded from any outside light.

It's really hard to imagine. We live in a world full of light. Even after the sun goes down we turn the electricity on and are surrounded by light.

During Jesus' time this was not the case. When it got dark...it got really dark. They lived in a world without electric lights. And walking at night could be really dangerous. This is the context for a short parable Jesus tells the disciples in John 11:9-10.

Jesus tells the disciples that they are going back to Judea to visit Lazarus who was sick and the disciples were not real happy about this because there was some violent opposition along the way to Judea. Then we read this...

The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again? ”Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”

What is Jesus saying? Jesus is talking about walking in the light. In Bible terminology this is a metaphor for doing God's will. The person who walks in the light "does not stumble." You cannot be wrong if you follow the will of God.

In contrast, not doing God's will is equivalent to walking at night. And remember what is was like for them to walk in the dark. Walking along a path at night could be dangerous and you were more likely to stumble. If you decide to not do God's will you are far more likely to stumble.

Jesus' was perfectly obedient on our behalf. He was headed to the cross and every step meant opposition. But he obeyed. Even when it was hard. Even when it meant opposition. He trusted his father and walked in the light.

Walk in the light today. You can't go wrong.