When I was a child, I attended a summer camp.  We used to love walking up to the campfire every night with our flashlights.  In fact, it was one of the highlights of each day.  No doubt, when the darkness surrounded us, it was that small flashlight we depended on to guide us to our destination!  

Darkness in the bible is often used as a metaphor for the season we are experiencing in our lives.  For example, anytime we receive bad news, rather from a doctor’s phone call in response to medical test, hearing the news of a death one in the family, or an unexpected tragedy, we experience ‘darkness’ in our lives. Our lives feel sad, hurt, angry, bitter, and even empty.

In John 12:12-36, Jesus is riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling the scriptures of the Old Testament writings.  His time is almost near to be hung on the cross for the sake of the world.  Jesus points out that He is the Light.  When we have the Light, we can see where we are going; we can know what is ahead and we will be led to our destination!  

I believe that we often forget that this world is not where God reigns.  Evil resides here and there is no way to avoid it.  Our destination is salvation – a place where none of us can even fathom what it will be like.  Jesus says, “While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of the light.”  (v.36). We become “children of the light” when that even in our darkest of times, we are able to glorify God!  You see, it doesn’t matter what happens to us here on earth, because with Jesus Christ, we will always have the Light and we will always know our destination – We are always safe and sound!  If we can grasp what that means for each of us who believe in Him, we will never walk in darkness!

Let Jesus be your flashlight! Let Him guide you into a Life that is truly Life!