Prodigal Prayer Day: 2. I AM the Light of the World
In all the uncertainties of life, especially when you love a prodigal, and especially in this pandemic time, we seek something or someone solid, dependable, a sure foundation. We have all that in Jesus, whose name is I AM. Over the next few weeks, leading to the June 2 Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day, we will discover seven ways Jesus is all we need—the seven “I Ams” He called Himself. (Read John 8.)
I prefer light, not dark.
I turn lights on, open blinds, close off dark rooms. I’m grateful that my ever-present phone gives me instant access to light.
Are you afraid of the dark?
Most of us, wisely, have some fear of the dark. Bad things happen in the dark: I stumble and stub my toe, I get lost, I have accidents.
Even more, evil—sometimes terrible evil--lurks in the darkness.
I want a night light in the hall, a flashlight on the path, headlights on the car, streetlights on the road, sunshine in the sky.
I love light.
But too often—perhaps now—our world seems very dark.
Gratefully, there is a light: His name is Jesus. We first learn about His gift of light to us in John 1:
“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
“There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” (John 1:4-9)
The light shines for us
Probably you prefer light over darkness also. And hopefully you have discovered the light of Jesus in your life. But perhaps you make occasional visits to the darkness. We are not perfect. We make bad choices. We sin.
Then that light of Jesus living in us breaks through and expels the darkness and leads us back into the light.
Some prefer darkness
John tells us more about light and darkness: “God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.” (John 3:19)
Sadly, this refers to many of our prodigals. They are choosing, at this time at least, to spurn the light and to love the darkness. They make sad choices, they get lost, they put their lives at risk. They break our hearts. They abandon the lighted path God gives them and stumble around in the dark.
But one day, in answer to our prayers and because of His faithful love, Jesus will stand before them and speak these words: “I AM the light of the world.” (John 8:12a)
And on that day, we pray they receive that statement and the words that follow: “If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12b)
The light shines through us
Often we will be the conveyors of that light. You see, if Jesus, through His Spirit, dwells in you, you become that light. Jesus said to his disciples:
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
Do you see what an amazing truth that is? Jesus will shine His light through you. The more you live and love like Jesus, the brighter His light will be. As you give love and offer mercy and extend grace—what God offers us—to your loved prodigals, the more likely they are to grow weary of the dark and turn to the light.
God may also shine His light through others to woo our wanderers back—He did that often with our son. But I believe His light in us will be the best beacon of hope to those we pray for.
A prayer for this week: Lord, may Your light so shine through me that others, especially my prodigal, will see Your light, Your love, Your grace, and will turn from darkness to light.
c2020 Judy Douglass
P.S. 1. We are receiving many requests and names to pray for. Your loved ones are being taken to the Lord in prayer. We would love for you to join us in praying for others as well. You can write to PrayerforProdigals @ gmail.com to join our prayer community. Or you can give us first names to add to the list to be prayed for on June 2—the Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day.
2. May this song bless you.
3. A brief reminder: My book, When You Love a Prodigal: 90 Days of Grace for the Wilderness, is drawn from the studies we have done in preparation for June 2 each year. I believe it will be a blessing to anyone who loves a prodigal, or is going through a hard time. It is available wherever you buy books.