Sermon Nuggets Fri Aug 8
Theme- Principles from the Master
Verses John 12:35,36 Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
The Principle of LIGHT shines through DARKNESS.
The people who were searchers were getting their questions answered, and more. Indeed their understanding from the Scriptures was that the Messiah would not die, but live forever. How could he be killed? Who is the Son of Man? Those were their questions.
Jesus does not answer their questions directly, but points them to present. The Light is here now. This was no time to be discussing the fine points of theology! It was an hour of crisis and an hour of opportunity. Now was a time to trust in the Light who stood before them. There are some things one understands and there are some things one does not understand. Move on to that which you do understand. Believe now in that which you see. For there will be a time when it is too late to believe. You will never have all your questions answered. But there is one thing Jesus is telling them. He is the light who overcomes the darkness. He is calling them to commitment. They are to walk in the light by faith in Jesus and in so doing they move from darkness into light. The light was shining and they had better take advantage of their opportunity to be saved.
The Greeks were in the dark. They had seen the light. He asked them to follow Him now. We have all been in the darkness of sin and ignorance, in pride, and selfishness. There is one sent from above that is the light of the world. When we walk in the light we have the presence of the divine with us all the time. We will still have periods of ignorance, and times of not understanding, but we will be saved
I recently read an account of a believer in one of the Islamic countries who was beaten and tortured for his faith. Some of the guards did not understand how he could withstand the physical and psychological attacks and not give up his faith. During his incarceration some came to understand who the true light was that overcomes, even death. They did not understand a God who loves, only a God who rules with laws. To see and know someone changed by the power of the Spirit brought some from darkness into light as they came to faith in Christ Himself.
People need to see Jesus. Not only in good times, but notice in the context of the conversation in times of darkness, in times of suffering, in death, in service and faithfulness.
The Greeks came to hear the one every one was talking about. He gave them principles. It was far more than cute phrases to face problems. It was a call to commitment and renewal. It was a call to follow Jesus, but He told them it may lead us to death. It may lead us to suffering. It may lead us to do menial tasks, it may lead us to face difficult odds, but by His power within us we will be honored, see God's glory, know what true life is about, live in victory and walk in the Light. Indeed. It is not easy, but it is very much worth it.
Pastor Dale
