“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘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, NIV)
In his introduction to Thomas à Kempis’ The Imitation of Christ, Douglas Steere wrote, “There is something startling about the title of The Imitation of Christ. Who would have the presumption to think that his life could imitate that of Jesus Christ? And yet for over 500 years the imitation contained in that title has helped to make this little book, outside the Bible, the favorite devotional book of Christians of all faith and nationalities and persuasions.” This excerpt powerfully confirms why The Imitation continues to be so popular.
Thomas à Kempis wrote, “‘He that followeth me walketh not in darkness,’ saith the Lord. These are the words of Christ, by which we are taught to imitate his life and manners, if we would be truly enlightened and be delivered from all blindness of heart. Let therefore our chief endeavor be to meditate upon the life of Christ. Whosoever would fully and feelingly understand the words of Christ must endeavor to conform his life wholly to the life of Christ. Surely great words do not make a man holy and just; but a virtuous life maketh him dear to God. Some have me in their mouths, but little in their heart. Thou hast good cause to be ashamed in looking upon the life of Jesus Christ, seeing thou hast not as yet endeavored to conform thyself more unto him, though thou has been a long time in the way of God.”
It would be almost impossible to find a person who, if they know something about Jesus, does not admire him. How could one not admire this well-known person in human history? Whoever said it first expressed a profound truth, however: “What Jesus wants is not admirers, but disciples.”
Pay attention to the different ways Jesus calls us, beginning with our text, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Matt. 16:24, NIV)
“ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35, NIV)
The common word in these calls is “disciple.” And what is a disciple? A learner and a follower. This does not suggest a religious genius. If it did, we might be able to better deal with it. Douglas Steere uses “apostle” as a word for “disciple,” describing one this way: “He is an apostle only as whatever capacities he possesses are open to use for the purposes of God. An apostle is just a human being released from the love of self and enslaved by the love of God.”
Thomas à Kempis challenges us: “I have begun, I may not go back, neither is it fit to leave that which I have undertaken. Courage then, brethren, let us go forward together. Jesus will be with us. He will be our helper who is also our guide and forerunner.”
Moment of Reflection: Where are you on the journey from being an admirer to being a disciple?
Prayer: O Lord Jesus, I know your way is narrow. Even though following you may become difficult, empower me with the persistence and strength to carry on. Amen.
Click HERE to purchase Saints Alive! in print or Kindle version.