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THE DUTY OF WALKING IN THE LIGHT
THE perverseness of men in resisting the means of conviction, is apt to beget an asperity in the minds of their instructors, and to make them cease from their labours of love. But we are required “in meekness to instruct them that oppose themselves.” And our blessed Lord affords us in this respect an admirable example. He had plainly told the Jews, that he must be crucified: and their very answer shews, that they understood his meaning. But, instead of receiving the information aright, they cavilled at it, and concluded from thence, that he could not be the Messiah [Note: ver. 32–34.]. Our Lord did not judge it proper at that time to afford them any farther means of conviction, when they had so abused those that were already afforded them: but he most affectionately warned them to improve their present advantages, before they should be finally withdrawn from them.
The words being equally applicable to us, we shall consider,
I. The duty enjoined—
Christ is here spoken of as “the light”—
[We might consider the term “light” in general, as referring to the Gospel: but here it undoubtedly relates to Christ himself [Note: Joh_1:9; Joh_8:12; Joh_12:46.]. He is justly characterized by this name, not only as being the eternal fountain of light, but as enlightening the world by his doctrines and life.]
“In him,” under this character, we are to “believe”—
[All that he has spoken respecting his person, work, and offices, together with all his promissory, or threatening declarations, should be received by us without gainsaying, and be relied upon without hesitation.]
“In him” also we ought to “walk”—
[We view earthly things in the light of the material sun; and avail ourselves of its light, every step we take. Precisely thus should we act with respect to Christ, “the Sun of Rightousness.” We should view sin and holiness, time and eternity, yea, every thing without exception, in the light that he, by his word and conduct, reflects upon it. Nor should we take any one step in life, without a direct reference to his word as our rule, and his life as our example [Note: 1Jn_2:6.].]
To render this injunction more impressive, let us consider—
II. The arguments with which it is enforced—
There are three topics mentioned in the text, from whence we may urge this important duty:
1. From the shortness of the time that we shall enjoy the light—
[The Jews now had the light; but it was to be extinguished within the space of four days. Hence our Lord repeatedly urges this consideration, “Walk, while ye have the light.” And how strongly does this argument apply to us! You have the light at present, yea, even greater light than the Jews enjoyed under the ministry of Christ: (for there were many subjects, which he did not fully open; and the things he did utter could not be perfectly understood, till the day of Pentecost; whereas you have Christ exhibited to you in all his glory; and the fulness, the freeness, the suitableness of his salvation constantly set before you.) But how soon may it be removed from you, or you from it [Note: Rev_2:5. Amo_8:11-12.]! O then, “while ye have the light, believe, and walk, in the light.”]
2. From the danger we incur by disregarding the light—
[If we will not attend to the voice of Christ, a “darkness will come upon us,” even “darkness that may be felt.” They who never have had Christ preached unto them, are indeed in an awful condition; but by no means so awful as that of those who have despised the Gospel [Note: ver. 39, 40.]. The darkness of which the text speaks, is judicial, sent them by God as the punishment of their iniquity; and the very light that shines around them, serves only to increase their blindness, and to aggravate their guilt [Note: 2Co_2:15-16. 2Th_2:11-12.]. In this state, “they stumble at the noon-day,” and wander, “not knowing whither they go;” till at last they fall into that pit of destruction, where is weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth for evermore.
Should not then the dread of such a state lead us to a just improvement of our present privileges?]
3. From the benefit arising to those who rightly improve the light—
[By “children of light,” we may understand either children of God (who is light) or, truly enlightened persons [Note: Thus õ ἱ ï ὶ ἀ ð å é è å ß á ò is used Eph_2:2.; and ô Ý ê í á ê á ô Ü ñ ͅ á ò , 2Pe_2:14. is so translated, as õ ἱ ï ὶ ö ù ô ὸ ò may be here.]. In either sense the general import is the same, namely, that, by believing in Christ, we shall attain the knowledge and enjoyment of God. Compare this state with that of those who are in darkness; and how great will this benefit appear!
Shall not then this blessed prospect allure us to embrace the Gospel? Or shall we still prefer sin and misery to holiness and glory?]
Application—
[Let us no longer withstand the solemn warnings and affectionate exhortations of the Lord Jesus; but improve to the utmost this accepted time, this day of salvation.]