THE LIGHT OF LIFE

I recently attended an event at our church in which we were asked to pray for Afghan refugees currently living in our city. The person sharing said something that I haven’t been able to get out of my head. 

She said that many of the Afghan refugees struggle with leaving their Islamic faith behind. Her words were, “They are interested in the light of the Gospel, but they struggle with stepping out of the darkness and leaving their past behind.” And before I could even think, I blurted out to the friend sitting next to me, “Same”.

No, I didn’t grow up under the overwhelming influence and cultural attachment of Islam. But you and I are both constantly overwhelmed with the influence of the world and the fiery darts of the enemy. For every step toward Christ that we desire to take, the adversary is right there pulling at our feet, hoping we will take five steps back. It’s exhausting.

It always results in fear and shame. And it’s not what Jesus has for us. Every person who has ever set foot in the Memphis Morning Center clinic has at least one thing in common with you and me—just like us, they experience the frustration of the darkness nipping at their heels as they strain toward the light. In the midst of their weariness, we exist to show them that the light they are looking for has a capital L. The Memphis Morning Center is a city set on a hill whose Light is Jesus.

In his gospel, John records seven “I am” statements from Jesus. The second of those statements is from John 8:12, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” 

The Light of what? 

The Light of LIFE. Jesus did more than heal diseases. He did more than give sight to the blind. He did more than teach sermons of hope. As Jesus ministered, He restored dignity and purpose to those who had given up, and He became the lamp in their darkness. You see this throughout Scripture. 

It is prophesied by Isaiah in chapter 9, verse 2, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.” It was John the Baptist’s purpose for coming, as told by Zechariah in Luke 1:79, to prepare the way for the One who would “give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” And it is confirmed by John years after Jesus ascended to Heaven, “This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.” (1 John 1:5)

Finally, in Matthew 5:14, a figurative torch is passed—to us. “You are the light of the world…” We are the city on the hill. We are the hands reaching out. We offer relief to those carrying heavy burdens and looking for hope.

 For those who come to the Memphis Morning Center, Jesus has taught us—no, commanded us—that we must point them to much more than hope. As His light-bearers, we must point them to LIFE. 

This is the opportunity and the command before us. We exist to point people to life—in the name of Jesus, with the kindness of Jesus, through the power of Jesus.

Abbey Dane is a proud Memphian currently serving as Bellevue Baptist Church's Content Director. She is a uniquely gifted writer who desires to stir the hearts of God's people through story. Her mission to cultivate abundant life in her family, community, and city can be seen so clearly through her words and actions. We are grateful to partner with a Kingdom-minded individual like Abbey, who provides wisdom and support for the Memphis Morning Center.