Jesus said, "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world" (Jn. 9:5). But what happened to the light when He ascended to heaven?

Before He physically left this earth, Jesus gave the answer. He told His followers, "You are the light of the world. . . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Mt. 5:14,16).

As we combine the truths of these two statements, we understand that even though Jesus has left this earth, His light continues to shine through His followers. The people of the world are not able to see Christ since He ascended to heaven. Instead, we who have put our faith in Him have the responsibility to reflect His light. If we do not shine, the world will not know about Him.

Let us remember, it is not quite the entire truth when we sing, "The light of the world is Jesus." It might be better to say, "The light of the world was Jesus." Today you and I are to be the light of the world, reflecting His light in a dark and sin-sick place where people wander aimlessly. Unless you and I tell these wandering ones about Him, they will never know Him and experience the forgiveness of sin.

How bright are we shining?  — M.R. De Haan