…the Good Shepherd
Hello friend, and welcome back to our time together exploring the amazing “I AM” statements of Jesus from the book of John. Let’s pray together:
Holy Spirit, illuminate our eyes to see everything You want us to see about Jesus today. Turn on the light of Your Word to show us a miraculous way forward. We trust You to lead and guide us into all truth today. Amen!
On my first trip to Israel, over a decade ago, I was exploring some ancient shepherd caves in Bethlehem. These caves are an intricate series of rooms and tunnels. I had my iPhone flashlight on and life was great, until I dropped my phone and the drop turned off the light. I was plunged into complete and utter darkness. I panicked a little...and froze. I bent down to get the phone and I hit my head. I couldn’t find the phone, so I started crawling around in the darkness. I had one thought—I need light! I crawled around for what seemed like an eternity and was praising Jesus when my fingers found my Apple product. Just the screen lighting up brought relief. At that point, I would have been happy with an oil lamp because when you are in deep and unrelenting darkness you need light! When I came back out of the caves and into the sunshine, I couldn’t help but think about Jesus saying:
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12, NIV)
When we think of light sources in our modern world, we may think of high intensity flashlights or even the spotlights of a music concert. In the days of Jesus, light sources were far more humble. Ancient oil lamps could easily fit into the palm of your hand and were fueled by olive oil.
On that same trip to Israel, we got to observe a working olive oil press. Olives are picked and placed in mesh bags. Extreme pressure is applied to the olives and the first pressing produces what is known as extra virgin olive oil. That oil is used for LIGHT and medicine. The second time pressure is applied; the oil that comes out is used for food. The third time pressure is applied; the oil is used for soap.
This is what I learned: without pressure there is no oil. Without oil, there is no light. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was under pressure. The word “Gethsemane” means olive press. Jesus knew that He would become the light of the world only through being pressed.
The prophet Isaiah said in Isaiah 53:5 (700 years before Jesus), “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was on him and by his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5, NIV)
Without crushing there is no light. Jesus said He was the light of the world—He was willing to be crushed for our sin...But, He also said: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)
friend, the light of God shines in you, and it can shine through you! Look for opportunities today to let that light shine. You are a light, and in a world filled with darkness, a little bit of light goes a long way!
Never forget my friend,
You are a miracle!
