You are LIGHT I am radiant, I am...

This morning I started my day off reading an article from the Harvard Business Review The Best Leaders Have Contagious Positive Energy. In there it talks about, "What Makes Positively Energizing Leaders So Successful?

There is a botanical term for these results: the heliotropic effect. That’s the phenomenon whereby plants naturally turn toward and grow in the presence of light. In nature, light is the life-giving force; photosynthesis occurs only in its presence. Human beings have the same inherent attraction toward life-giving and life-supporting energy. This form of energy is what you receive — and give — in relationships with others.Decades of research shows that this positive relational energy nourishes us and makes us come alive."

 

This morning I am thinking about LIGHT.

Jen's Weekly Mini Bible Study

What is a light that you enjoy being around?

 

Jen: I love the sunset and sunrise.

 

Are you a plant person? Have you seen plants turn towards the sun? Did you know there is a term for this? It's called the heliotropic effect.

What is the source of the light you most enjoy? 

 

Jen: This isn't a crazy question… It could be the a light that hangs over your kitchen table, or the stars or the streetlight in front of your childhood home, or a candle with your favorite scent. Mine is the sun.

 

But here's a crazy thing. Jesus says,  “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” in John 8:12

 

Jesus flips our concept on light. He says HE IS LIGHT. Then, He goes on to say, ““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” John 5

 

Can I bring you back for a minute? Remind me what was your favorite light that you mentioned above? Why do you enjoy that light? How does that light make you feel? When do you experience that light? Do other's experience that light? What other senses touch, sound, tastes do you experience when you are around that light?

 

Jen: Sunset and sunrise. That light makes me feel alive. I love the colors in the sky, the way the light bounces and reflects. I think at sunrise and sunset the shadows and reflections have the biggest contrast. That glow stays with me. I feel the glory of God when I stand in a sunset or sunrise and take it in. I feel awe and peace, wonder and so loved. I sense I am wrapped in the faithfulness of God and I see His glory and goodness proclaimed in the warmth of the sun and the brilliance of the skies and all that it lights up. I notice the air on my skin, the ground under my feet, the sounds of nature around me, the person close to me. I love that the sunrise and set is free for all and people pause to inhale it.

 

So what does that have to do with this study… Light is powerful. Jesus says HE is the light and we are the light… in a dark world. We know from our everyday lives what light feels like and it's effects. Because of that we may understand Jesus more and our role and purpose in this life even better.

 

Here we go: 

Jesus YOU ARE light. 

You show the way, you are warm, you have no darkness in you. 

 

If YOU ARE LIGHT: I reflect light, like the sunrise or sunset, or a street lamp. I don't need to be afraid of the dark. I know the way. I have your light in me. I am a beacon of your light. I am sourced by your light! I shine light. I am attractive. I am bright. I am radiant. The darkness in me is driven out by your light. I am safe. I am seen. I am warm. I can grow. I can turn towards you. I can find you. 

 

Take time to read these passages and find more on LIGHT. How Jesus is light, God is light, what that does to darkness and how HE calls us light and puts HIS light in us. Ask:

God if you are LIGHT---

I AM ---

Read John 1

John 5

John 8