October 10th, 2024
8 “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back? 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. 10 It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.”
The notion of darkness has always carried with it a strong fear of the unknown. No matter how old we are, or how far we've come, we still couldn't become so skilled as to navigate our steps in a pitch black room without some sort of light. That very reality conveys to us the true nature of both elements. In that, darkness always seeks to stir panic, fright and paralyzing anxiety within us, while light seeks to bring comfort, assurance and peaceful relief.
This contrast between light and darkness or good versus evil, has been the theme of the Bible from the very beginning. Jesus, in our passage today, is only reaffirming what we already know about the light's superiority to darkness. In the story, the disciples are concerned about Jesus' plans to return to Judea and heal His friend, Lazarus. They warn Him with a word of caution, reminding Him of the dangers of going back to Judea. His life would be at stake or in the least, His own body would be severely injured as the Jews were out to stone Him. But Jesus, being full of faith and confidence, reinterprets danger and fear. While the disciples were overly anxious about the possible darkness awaiting them, Jesus had other concerns to worry about. Rather than becoming fearful for His life, He recognized that the God of all light was watching over Him and that His time had not yet come.
It is very striking to read all the stories of Jesus with His disciples. He never seemed to be afraid of any dangerous situation. He never played the safe and easy route but rather took on the most extremest of circumstances. Sleeping in the boat amidst a storm, walking on the water through the roughness of the waves, and even coming as close to escape death like in our story today. What this should be teaching us is that we as human beings are always so fearful of all the wrong things. We are worried about our safety, our security, our bodies, our feelings and even the thoughts of other people. This fear of the world has become our darkness and drives every dimension of faith out of our hearts. Here is what Jesus said about fearing the things of this world in Luke chapter 12. “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But
I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has
been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you,
fear him" (Luke 12:4-5).
Jesus is teaching us a valuable principle for walking with the Lord. When we are finely in step with God's plan and purposes, we are essentially walking in the light. His word illuminates the path before us and leads us on level ground. There is nothing to fear because God protects us as we choose to stand for Christ and His commands. Sometimes, we know that the Lord is calling us to exercise faith and walk upon the waters in full trust and obedience. We know that He has called us to live for His name's sake in our workplaces despite the shame and mockery we will receive. We know that He calls us to unashamedly proclaim the gospel despite the persecution that will come. But all of us are prone to becoming fearful of men rather than having a fear of God. The calling today is to rise up and do the will of the Lord no matter the cost. As long as there is still daylight left, let us carry on in obedience to our Lord and Saviour. To live this life is to live for Christ and even if we should die, we will gain because we shall see Him face to face (Philippians 1:21). Death has lost its sting forever and no longer has a hold over our lives. For this, we should be deeply thankful and fear nothing.
The truth is, the only times we should be afraid is when we choose to walk in darkness. To be outside of God's will and to not know the love of Jesus Christ is the most dreadful and horrific thought for us. But, since we are filled with the light of Christ and since the God of the universe is on our side, all fear is completely broken. We are now divinely equipped in every sense to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). And though for a moment, we may walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we shall fear no evil, for we know that our God is with us (Psalm 23:4).