Bask

 July 10, 2020

Bask

“I am the light of the world.”

Jesus of Nazareth- John 8: 1-12

 

 

 

A woman was about to be stoned to death. Try to imagine that, having stones thrown at you, not being able to protect yourself! There are times that I do attempt to imagine being the person in peril- atop a tall building on a ledge and then…, or in a ship at sea as it begins to vanish beneath the waves. I am certain I have never been able to finish the morbid fantasy. And so, this woman has been singled out for her sexual activity, and nothing had been brought forward about the man or the other woman with whom she had committed adultery.

 

The issue is brought to Jesus who was teaching at the time and he is asked after having been reminded that the Law of Moses says to stone her death. “Now what do you say?

 

Jesus writes something in the dirt on the ground in front of him and simultaneously responds, “Let anyone among you who is without sin, be the first to throw a stone at her.” Once again he writes and he speaks and soon all have left the area leaving the woman and Jesus alone. He converses with her telling her that no one including him has condemned her today.

 

It’s strange because though everyone has left the area the scripture says he begins to speak to the same people again! Nevertheless he says, ““I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

 

I love light. Whether it is the first light of the day, or, the last shades of blues and pinks and purples, and greys; whether it is from the flashlight on my phone or the strong LEDs in our kitchen, I am immediately filled with assurance and often a warmth of safety.

 

Jesus wants you to feel safe in his light. Like the lady saved from certain death, he stands between you and your worst fear of darkness in our world.

 

Bask,

 

Rev. Ken