TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

DEVOTIONAL

by Elder Chris Beltran

In John 8:12, Christ has said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Light has two essential functions. Light reveals what is hidden in darkness. When you go inside a dark room, the first thing you do is open the light to see and find what you are looking for. Headlights reveal what is in front of the car so we can drive safely.

Same with Jesus, the light of the world. He shows what is hidden in the darkness. He exposes the emptiness of success and material things, the hopelessness and endless search for worth and value, the truth and the need to be loved, and, most especially, the helplessness of human beings when it comes to sinful conditions.

The second important function of light is its directive use, like a light tower directing a ship to the shore and like the star guiding the wise men to Bethlehem. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Jesus, being the light of the world, the son of God, the Creator of the universe, and the author of life, is directing or giving us direction on how to live and gain eternal life with God. Our faith in Him, who offers the absolute truth, should convince us to listen and obey.

Yet, there are many voices out there telling us their version of the truth. They say truth is relative. If you think something is true, then its true. Truth is relative to the person. If you believe that you are female, even though you are biologically born as a male, then you are female. There is no absolute truth, no moral reference. Each person decides his/her own truth. Some say atheism, humanism, and science have the answer to everything. There is no heaven; thus, there is no need for the “Jesus” stuff. Humans are in control of everything. The Bible is just a fairy tale filled with superstitions. It’s modern times already! For those who believe in the afterlife, there are many paths to heaven. Don’t believe the Christians when they say that Jesus is the only way. Christians are so narrow-minded, biased, and exclusive.

If you ask people about their views on how one could get into heaven, people will give all sorts of answers. Some will say all religions teach the same thing and lead to the same place; no need to quarrel—universalism. Some would say that doing good deeds, being kind, giving, and caring for the poor (philanthropist) would lead a person to heaven. Others would promote meditation until one becomes a god. Membership in a particular church or organization will lead people to heaven. At the same time, others believe in praying three times a day, facing a specific direction, and reincarnation. While for the extremist, be a suicide bomber, killing a lot of people, and ten virgins in heaven will be waiting for you.

There is only one way to heaven, and we must get it exclusively from the Creator of heaven and earth, Himself, and not through other voices claiming to speak the truth. There is no other way except through Jesus Christ. And that is the absolute truth. John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Only through the blood of Jesus will we gain passage to heaven. No other way. No other truth. Only through Jesus will we have eternal life.

REFLECTION

 When it comes to an eternal destination, knowing the absolute truth is very important. Wrong information leads to wrong analysis and a false conclusion; an incorrect conclusion can lead to improper prescriptions and results, which can be disastrous. Jesus is who he claims to be, the son of God—the only way to God the Father. He is the light of the world that reveals and directs us back to our Heavenly Father. Now the truth is told and will set us free. It is up to us if we will continue to insist on our own way.

PRAYER

Lord, please take away my pride, my reliance on my ways and views. You are the only way, the absolute truth, and eternal life, and I want to follow You, the light which reveals and directs. I accept You as my Lord and Savior. I repent from all my sins knowing that You are merciful and just to forgive our sins. I want to be a child of Yours, the almighty God. Amen.