Today’s Reading: John 11:5-10
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”
* * * * *
Jesus warned his disciples that soon they’d have to return to Jerusalem. They objected. They knew the Jewish officials desired to kill Jesus because of his repeated claims to deity.
Jesus used their objections to teach a significant truth about following him.
He had already explained, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). When he invades your heart, his light enters you, and you become a light to the world. As his holy, eternal truth indwells your heart, his light shines through you.
Jesus will guide your paths with his light—no matter what the hour of the day may be. In the daytime, when there is light, it is easy to know where to walk. It’s not difficult to walk when it’s light. But when it’s dark, you are more prone to stumble and fall.
When Jesus’ light invades you, you can walk anywhere, at any hour of the day, and his light will guide you. That’s what happens when you are in intimate fellowship with him. You are united together. He is in you, and you are in him. You hear his voice leading you. He shows you the next step. You obey what he tells you to do.
It’s different for the person who is walking apart from Jesus. He is in the dark. He does not know the Lord’s inward guidance. He doesn’t seek his light, so truth doesn’t indwell his heart. He has no desire to know Jesus. He does whatever he wants, whenever he wants. Because he walks in darkness, he will inevitably fall.
When Jesus walked to Jerusalem, he was walking from the light into darkness. He was following the Father’s perfect plan. He was heading toward betrayal, arrest, torture, persecution, and eventual death on the cross. That was the Father’s will, which Jesus desired to obey.
Does Jesus’ light indwell you? Do you walk in his truth? Is your greatest desire to let him lead you to wherever he wants you to go? Is your most fervent desire to please him above all else?
If not, you are probably walking in darkness. You are most likely very far from him. Most assuredly, you will one day fall.
That is not the place where Jesus wants you to be. He is the light of the world. As his follower, he wants you to be a light on a hill, shining brightly for him. When others see your good works done for his glory, they will be moved to praise the Father in heaven.
Walk in Jesus’ light at all times, in all places.
And as you follow him, his light that leads to life will lead you— every step of the way.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]