Daily Readings and Thought for April 19th. “WALK WHILE YOU HAVE THE LIGHT”

 Those who study history know that the world has gone through horrible periods of darkness all too many times.  So it is significant that Jesus says, “I have come into the world as light” [v.46] and then adds, “so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.”

Those who turned to him found that “darkness” lifted from their minds as they embraced an awareness of the real meaning of life and accepted Jesus as their “shepherd” and Lord. Jesus said, “Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you.  The one who walks in darkness does not know where he is going” [v.35].  We can read the words of “light” but our minds must be receptive if they are to be meaningful and light floods our thoughts. 

We must appreciate the point Jesus made when he said, “Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life” [v.25].   He meant that if we find full satisfaction in what life offers us now – then he or she will lose the opportunity to exist for ever when life on earth takes on a far greater dimension when Jesus returns.   Man prefers to worship Mammon, that is money, and the “feet” of that god is now crumbling rapidly.  Those who “control” Mammon have to struggle more and more to maintain and show a degree of confidence in their god. There are some awesome prophecies about this. Have a look at Isaiah Ch. 24, the first 6 verses!  Frightening!  This punishment comes “after many days” until “the LORD of hosts reigns” (look at the last 2 verses)

Any effort to shed any degree of light today is ridiculed.  An example of this occurred last Sunday when a respected daily newspaper here published an article on The Bible  in connection with Easter and how in Church schools it is still being taught and believed. To say the reaction was negative is an understatement!  The on-line version attracted abundant vitriolic denunciation from the many who are convinced that the Bible is untrue.  But note what Jesus says at the end of today’s chapter, “The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.”