Light pervades our every waking hour. It sweeps through our days, touching everything around us, adding red to the apple, burnishing the sea with blue, and painting rosy cheeks on our children.
We walk in light every day, and when it fades from the sky? That’s not a problem for us. We throw a switch, and light floods every step of our way.
Light is the natural energy that bounces off objects and makes them visible to us. There are other ways to look at light, also. We can light a fire, light up a room, or see the answer to a problem light up someone’s face. We can even say that a pale color is light blue or light green.
If we walk in the light, which of these apply?
Matthew 11:28-30 tells us:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Light. Not heavy. That’s still another meaning of the word. We feel buoyant, able to maneuver easily. Life weighs easily on our shoulders.
How do we achieve this wondrous position? It’s all there in the passage in Matthew. Let’s break it down.
First:
“Come unto me…”
Jesus is the only giver of salvation.
Second:
“…all you who labor and are heavy laden…”
Earning salvation by works is impossible.
Third:
“…and I will give you rest.”
Our rest comes from placing our faith in Christ and his redemptive sacrifice on the cross.
Fourth:
“Take my yoke upon you…”
This is the salvation offered by his death.
Fifth:
“…and learn from me…”
We need to study his life as he lived it upon the earth.
Sixth:
“…for I am gentle and lowly in heart…”
Jesus’ description of himself.
Seventh:
“…and you will find rest for your souls.”
This is the only true rest humanity can achieve.
Eighth:
“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
A life lived for Christ isn’t difficult. The rules are not cumbersome. We don’t need to scourge ourselves physically or emotionally. Following Christ is meant to be simple.
We can choose any meaning of the word we want, and they all apply. We are to walk in the light, to be seen, to enjoy what’s around us, and to be the answer to those in need. We are to give the world direction and purpose in their struggle to find meaning in their existence. We are to be the light of Jesus unto them.
Let’s look at one final meaning of the word light. Scientists tell us light is radiant energy, coming from a powerful source, and filling us with warmth and life. That’s not a half bad way to look at walking in the light of Jesus and the salvation he gave us through the cross. He is our energy source, and when we walk in him, he pours into us, warming us and filling us with his power; once we have soaked up Christ, facing the world becomes very easy, indeed.
Jesus is all around us. Nothing we see, do, or experience is possible without him making it possible.
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