Believe in the light . . . so that you may become children of light. John 12:36
The weather forecast said bomb cyclone. That’s what happens when a winter storm rapidly intensifies as the atmospheric pressure drops. By the time night fell, the blizzard conditions made the highway to the Denver airport almost impossible to see. Almost. But when it’s your daughter who’s flying home to visit, you do what you have to do. You pack extra clothes and water (just in case you get stranded on the highway), drive very slowly, pray without ceasing, and last but not least, trust your headlights. And sometimes you can achieve the almost impossible.
Jesus foretold of a storm on the horizon, one that would involve His death (John 12:31–33), and one that would challenge His followers to stay faithful and serve (v. 26). It was going to get dark and be almost impossible to see. Almost. So what did Jesus tell them to do? Believe, or trust, the Light (v. 36). That was the only way they could keep going forward and stay faithful.
Jesus would only be with them a little while longer. But believers have His Spirit as our constant guide to light the way. We too will face dark times when it’s almost impossible to see the way ahead. Almost. But by believing, or trusting in the Light, we can press on.
What dark season have you been through lately? How did Jesus, the Light, help you keep going?
Jesus, thank You for being the light in my darkness. Help me to trust and keep going.
INSIGHT
The Greek word φῶς phōs (light) is used five times in John 12:35–36, and is one of the apostle John’s favorite words. Jesus’ references to Himself as light in John include His words in John 8:12: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” As light, Jesus is the true source of radiance, illumination, and revelation. Those who truly believe in Him (12:36) become children of light—they become His disciples and a part of the light force in the world (Matthew 5:14).