This week I've been meditating on 'I am the light' but more specifically the work of light.
Scripture Reading - John 9:1-5
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Last week at church, a well as at my bible study group we had been looking at Light and the I am the Light statements in the bible.
I've been particularly drawn towards verses 4 and 5 from John 9
4 "As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
I decided to make part of verse 4 my walking mediation today. I recited the verse over and over again, putting the emphasis on one individual word each time I recited the verse in my head, pausing between each recitation to meditate on the new aspect and insight each emphasis gave me.
For example:
Night is coming, when no one can work.
Night is coming, when no one can work.
Night is coming, when no one can work.
and so on...
If you've not tried this practice I highly recommend it, it really does take you into a deeper conversation with God.
Scripture Reflection
These two verses have really got me thinking about what it means to work during the day, as well as the contrast of day verses night. Taken literally verse 4 makes common sense, at a time when there was no light to work by once night fell it made total sense to complete complicated, focus related tasks by day light.
But then with verse 5 'While I am in the world, I am the light of the world', I'm reminded that in the bible we have both the physical attribute of light as well as the spiritual meaning, which brings a whole new richness to verse 4 and the battle of Good vs Evil, Day vs Night or Work vs Rest, as well as the contrast of Jesus' time in ministry vs his work on the cross.
I can't help but fall into richer levels of contemplation when I reflect on this verse. It's a gorgeous piece of prose and poetry.
Journaling Prompts
As we reflect on Light and Work within the context of John 9:4-5, let's take a moment to journal or meditate on these prompts...
- What does it mean to 'do the works of Him who sent Me' when I think about my own calling in life?
- Thinking about my past week, how well did I balance day time 'work' with night time 'rest'?
- Thinking about this coming week, how can I 'reflect the Light' as a form of work?
Closing Prayer
God of Good Light, thank you for sending your Son to show us how and when to work. May His light continue to provide for us and through us. Amen.
For this week's scripture verse I chose to study from the NIV translations of John 9:1-5
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®
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