“but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7 NRSV
One of the small pleasures in life is being able to walk with a friend in a new and unexplored area. Whether you are sharing conversation or quietly sharing the sensations of a new and foreign place, the companionship makes it special. When we drive, we often have a timeline and destination, impacting our ability to enjoy the sites around us. But in walking, we slow down and observe everything around us; the smell of blooming flowers, the sound of a dog barking, and the sound of the breeze rustling through the trees. Evening walks are enjoyable, but walking in daylight is so much more pleasant. Instead of simply smelling the flowers, you can see the outline of the petals, you may view the barking dog, and you can witness the trees moving in the breeze.
In following Christ, we are walking in spiritual light. All of those things we thought we enjoyed in darkness are made clear in the light. We enjoy a special connection with our companions, not merely because of the walk but also because we are walking in the light. This light and the fellowship are made possible because of Christ’s sacrifice for us. In accepting salvation, the darkness of our sins is washed away and replaced by the cleansing light.
Precious God of Light! We give you thanks for your Son Jesus, who offered himself as a living sacrifice in atonement for our sins. Through this mighty act, he washed away the darkness and replaced it with light. We give you thanks for the fellowship found in our local church and the church universal. We pray that each of us individually, and the body collectively be a beacon of light to those who have not yet found you. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Tim
