Beyond the Weekend

July 23 | Jesus is Light

July 23, 2020

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world.” John 8:12a

Read: John 8:12

Listen: John 8

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Each year the Israelites traveled from across the land to gather at the temple in Jerusalem for the Festival of Tabernacles. They would live in temporary shelters for a week to remember how God rescued them from slavery in Egypt and led them through the wilderness to the promised land. The festival included lighting large lights in the temple to celebrate how God led them by a pillar of cloud by day and by a pillar of fire at night (Exodus 13:21-22).

When Jesus stands in the very place the Israelites lit these celebratory lights and claims, “I am the light of the world,” he is declaring that he is God–the same God who led the Israelites through the wilderness and to the promised land. The pillar of fire, a symbol of God’s guidance, finds its fulfillment in Jesus.

We may wish for a pillar of light from God to show us the way we are supposed to go. We follow a lot of things to help us get to where we want to be. We ask Google, scroll social media, follow fashion trends, talk to friends, listen to politicians, seek science and dive into data. Nothing can ever light our path and show us the way better than Jesus. Watch this video clip as Pastor Aaron Buer reminds us of the importance of following Jesus to get where he is going.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

What or who have you been following? Reflect on the voices you are listening to and ask God to reveal if something or someone has taken precedence over his voice. Confess anything he reveals and ask his help to give his voice first place.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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