Limited Opportunities
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 25, 2024 | John 12:34-36
KEY VERSE:
Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. John 12:35 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
In John 12:34-36, the crowd responds to Jesus' teachings with confusion and doubt. They question how Jesus can say that the Son of Man must be lifted up, as they believed the Messiah would remain forever. Jesus addresses their doubts by emphasising the urgency of responding to the light while it is still with them. So often, people think they will have plenty of opportunities to decide about Jesus. Satan ensures that this is not true. This reality was brought home tragically to me when a good friend of mine in secondary school was killed in a car accident shortly after I had tried to share Christ with him. He said, "I will do that when I am older. Christianity is for old people." He didn't take advantage of the light when he had the opportunity.
Jesus urges the people to walk in the light while they still have it. He is the light of the world, and His presence offers a unique opportunity for salvation and guidance. This urgency highlights the fleeting nature of opportunities to embrace faith and truth. Jesus warns about the consequences of not responding to the light. Walking in darkness leads to confusion, lostness, and separation from God. Without Jesus, people lack direction and purpose. Believing in Jesus, the light transforms individuals into children of light. This transformation is essential for living a life that reflects God's truth and love. It’s a call to embrace the light and let it shine through our lives.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Reflect on the limited opportunities you have to embrace and share the light of Jesus. Consider the urgency of responding to His call and the importance of walking in His light daily. Allow His light to guide your actions, decisions, and interactions with others.
PRAYER:
Father, forgive me for not living with a greater sense of urgency, especially in my relationship with my non-Christian friends. Please be with me as I try to share my faith in Jesus with those I meet in my daily endeavours. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: WHILE The Greek word ὡς (hōs), often translated as "while," denotes a period of time during which a particular action or state is occurring. It indicates a temporary and urgent timeframe within which action must be taken. Jesus' use of "while" conveys a sense of urgency and the transient nature of His physical presence among them. The exhortation to "walk while you have the light" serves as a call to immediate action in embracing and following Jesus, lest one falls into spiritual darkness. Reflections: Consider how you can walk in the light more fully and help guide others out of darkness into His light. What steps can you take today to ensure you are making the most of the divine opportunity to walk in the light?
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