Transforming Light

Let Jesus shine His transforming light into the dark places in your life. Walk while you have the light so that darkness will not overtake you. Also, the one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. Believe in the light so that you may become sons of the light. John 12:35-36

Although people settled in cities partly for increased security, crime often became a chronic problem, particularly at night. In his classic study of the cities throughout history, Lewis Mumford an American historian (1895-1990), describes how, even in an advanced city like Rome, the streets were dark at night, and people ventured forth only at the risk of their lives. But adding light changed everything.

Describing the impact of light on the city of Uffizi, an observer in the fourth century AD wrote, "The brilliancy of the lamps at night often equaled the light of day." Another account tells how, because of light, the citizens of Antioch "have shaken off the tyranny of sleep." As a result, people felt safer, and there was an explosion of new commerce.

Light transformed the very character of civilization. In similar ways, light transforms our spiritual lives. If we walk in darkness, we will stumble, make mistakes, and fall into sin. But when we follow Jesus and walk in the light, we see more clearly and avoid temptation and traps.

Matthew 5:14-16

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.