Walking in the Light
Scripture Reading — John 12:35-46
“Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you.”
John 12:35
Do you enjoy sunsets? I do. In the Philippines we would sometimes go to the shore and watch the setting sun. We would enjoy the last rays of sunlight for a few minutes, and then darkness would come.
We know that Jesus called himself the light of the world. But Jesus also warned the people around him that they had to walk in his light, because soon darkness would come. Jesus was predicting his death on the cross, which would happen in just a few days. They would not have his light much longer.
And “those who walk in the dark,” he said, “do not know where they are going.” Once when I was walking along a beach in the Philippines, it quickly grew dark. There was no moonlight, and I stumbled along till I finally got home.
Jesus advised his listeners to put their trust in the light—that is, in him—while he was still with them. Do we trust in him?
In our personal lives, there are times when the sun shines brightly. We need to use those times to prepare ourselves for periods when darkness falls and we walk in shadows of trial and suffering. Don’t neglect to walk with the Lord while you’re enjoying good times. And take heart from Jesus, who says, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” If we walk faithfully with God, we too can enjoy Jesus’ light—not only now but forever.
Amid the gloom of the world around us, Father, it is good to know that your Son came to be our light. Help us to walk in his light each day. Amen.
About the author — Adrian A. Helleman
Dr. Adrian Helleman served as a pastor in British Columbia before being called to serve as a missionary-teacher in the Philippines. He and his wife, Wendy, later taught philosophy at Moscow State University in Russia, and then philosophy and theology at the University of Jos in Nigeria. They have also lectured in Canada, the United States, South Africa, and Tanzania. They have three children and three grandchildren.
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