THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.
By I. G. Knight
It is evident from reading Titus 2:13, 14 that those in whom the work of Christ is wrought will be different from the world at large, for that which is said to be a peculiar people could not apply to the people in general. Their characteristics are, redeemed from all iniquity, purified, zealous of good works. All this is brought about by the One who gave himself for us. By comparing this with 1 Peter 2:9 we see that this peculiar people are to show forth the praises of Him who hath called them out of darkness into His marvelous light. The difference is as great between them and the people in general as is the difference between darkness and light, and that difference is shown in works, not in profession only. Christ said, "I am the light of the world." John 8:12. The light was in his life; and the life was the light of men. John 1:4. As he is so are we in this world. 1 John 4:17; Matt. 5:14. This is why they are called out, that they may be a light to the world. Their life will be an open rebuke to those who live in darkness, because they may see the light in the life. Verse 16. This life is imparted. Phil. 2:13. "For thou also hast wrought all our works in us." Isa. 26:12. The means which God uses to impart this light is his word. "The entrance of thy word giveth light." Ps. 119:130. But his words must abide there if they accomplish anything. "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." John 15:7. Christ is in the written word, for God is to judge the world by Jesus Christ, and we read also that his word will judge the world. John 12:48. So to turn from the written word is to turn from the light. In John 12:35, 36 Jesus says: "Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you; for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them." Why did he hide himself from them? Verse 37 says, "They believed not on him." When Jesus hid, the light was hidden from them, and they were left to grope in darkness. When those words were spoken to them, they had only a short time to decide this great question of walking in the light. A few8choose to walk in that light. That was so then; it has been so in all ages. It is so now. The question is, What hides His face from us? Isa. 59:2 says, "Our sins hide His face from us." As it was then, "yet a little while," so it is to-day. We have the word now to light our pathway, but to those who refuse to search it now and hide it in the heart, it will soon be hid. Amos 8:11, 12. But the contrast between those who take the word and meditate upon it and live it, and those who reject it, is brought to view in Isa. 60:1, 2: "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people."