October 20, 2010

‘I Am the Light of the World’

By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

A few years ago, there were a number of scientific writings dealing with the nova experience (from the Latin word novus or “new”). The nova phenomenon occurs when a medium-sized star suddenly gets brighter and hotter for a period of about a week to two weeks. Then it becomes darker and cooler. Each year, scientists observe about 14 of these nova experiences.

Based on this research, astronomers are now concerned that the previously held theory--that our sun could maintain its present heat or energy output level for at least eight million years--is no longer true. Scientists reached this conclusion because they believed that half of the sun's hydrogen energy has been used up.

When other stars were observed to "nova out"; as soon as half of their hydrogen was exhausted, it became popular to believe that the same could happen to our sun. Should a nova happen, within 40 days, the earth would freeze and disappear into the solar system like a small ball of foil.

Can the sun suddenly cease from warming us and from providing the energy we trust and seek each day? The answer is yes! In Revelation, we read that in the final days the earth will be destroyed. There will be a new earth and a new heaven. And there will be no need for a sun because we will have the Lord Jesus Christ. He will be our source of light, which will be much brighter and warmer than the sun.

Jesus is "the light of the world" (John 8:12), and we do not have to wait until the end to walk in His light. Today, He is the one who brings light to the murky areas of our lives. No darkness is powerful enough to eliminate His light. When you step into the light of His love, your pathway will be lit with heaven's hope.

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12).