Intro: Doing what is right in the eyes of the heavenly Father is not always an easy decision to make; we may not be eager to follow righteousness because most of the time it calls for a sacrifice to our souls. Our souls—minds, wills, and emotions—demand earthly fulfillment while our spirits crave and cry out for the things of heaven. Satan tempts us to follow our flesh, but the Spirit brings the power to follow righteousness. Therefore, there may be internal opposition in our souls. When we faithfully obey the Word of the Lord no matter how it affects our flesh/souls, we bring glory to God—we shine!
In our passage today, Jesus does not want to be separated from the Father; yet, to take on the sins of the world means he must be separated and judged in order to bring salvation. Christ has delivered us from Satan’s rule by his sacrifice. To remain free we must live by the Word of God and turn from evil. Jesus is the Light for the dark places in our hearts and in the world; he draws us to himself. We must walk in the Light, so we can become children of the Light.
John 12:27-36 (NLT)
27 “Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! 28 Father, bring glory to your name.”
Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” 29 When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him.
30 Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out. 32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate how he was going to die.
34 The crowd responded, “We understood from Scripture that the Messiah would live forever. How can you say the Son of Man will die? Just who is this Son of Man, anyway?”
35 Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. 36 Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.”
Prayer: Lord, help me live today in Your powerful Light of Truth.