How Do We See The Lord
“But what about you?’ he asked. “Who do you say I am?” (Mark 8:29).
If Jesus was to ask you this question, what would you say?
Paul Tripp, one of my favorite writers ask this question in his book, Everyday Gospel, “If you were to “paint” a verbal picture of Jesus, what words would you use to capture who he is, what he came to do, and what he continues to do in and for those who put their trust in him?” I have pondered this question for days, and even though Jesus is beyond explaining this is where my mind has taken me.
He is light. We live in a world of darkness; Christ is the light of the world. John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” Another translation says, did not overcome it. I love that imagery.
When you were a little child, were you afraid of the dark? Most of us have some fear or at least uncomfortableness in the dark. When you go to bed at night do you have night lights on in your home and flood lights outside to protect you and your property? We have lights in our toilets that light up when you walk in the bathrooms. I will admit that my reasons for these lights were not so much about being afraid, but that is another story altogether.
Light changes everything.
In a world of darkness, we need light. Jesus gives us a promise in John 8:12 when He said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
As I pondered what my verbal picture of Jesus would be, these are the thoughts in my mind:
Jesus, you are like the dawn. You come to me and light all the darkness in my soul, defeating the fear that is in my heart, and you draw me close. You become brighter, warming my heart and giving hope to my soul.
Lord, You light up Your Word as I read it, and I find comfort from Your touch. Jesus, you heal me with your warmth, and again and again you draw me close. Even in the shade you can be seen. You minister health all around me. In life’s trouble you shine. I have felt you in the midst of my troubles. Lord, You come close and pour your light into circumstances that are dark, lonely and fearful. Jesus, You are my light and there is no darkness in You!
Jesus is the light of the world and yet not all will welcome Him.
“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God” (John 3:19-21).
This is a warning to us. Jesus is our light, and He wants to come to us and bring His truth, mercy, love and wisdom so we can see. He gives us Himself so we can see deception. Through Him we can walk in truth with confidence that the darkness will not overcome us. We are safe in the light He gives. He is the light of the world.
If you were asked to paint a word picture of Jesus, what would your words be?
Pray with me
Dear Lord, Jesus,
There is no darkness in You, only light. You give us sight, hope, and forgiveness. How we honor and praise You. There is no one like You, no one Lord! We come to You to see, walk, live, and treasure Your light, and bask in the wonder of Your love. Jesus, give us eyes to see You and a heart to believe You. We love You, Lord. In Your name we pray, amen.
For encouragement read Revelation 21: 22-27