Seattle, May 6, 2005.
59. LIGHT, A TREASURE. Jesus said, I AM, the light of the world.” John 8:12 Every time Jesus said, I AM He was proclaiming His Deity. I AM, communicates a message to us of the Self existent one. The unique
person who exists with no support or help from any other being. He alone, is the only source of life, for He is very life itself, whether it be natural or spiritual life. All life emanates from Him. In addressing those who believe on Him and follow Him he said, YE ARE the light of the world. Mt. 5:14 In this manner He proclaimed the value of the treasure that is in the earthen vessel. That light of life that is in Christ is also in His people. The life, the light, the works of the Lord Jesus must continue to be made manifest through His church. The demonstration of the power of God was not limited to His generation but is for us today in the same display of His glory as then. Jesus promised His church that they would do even greater works than those seen in His day. If in no other way, the sheer volume of the precious works of the Spirit wrought though the church exceed in number. John 14:12
WHO AND WHAT WE ARE IN CHRIST. Jesus said, YE ARE, my friends. There is no friend like Jesus. He has promised that He would never leave nor forsake us. He is that friend who is present in a time of need. He stays with us when all others forsake us and turn away from us. His friendship is eternal and everlasting. There is a requirement that we demonstrate, that is, that we follow His commandment. John 15:14 YE ARE, Clean. There is no existing ecstasy on earth like that of the sudden realization that the Lord Jesus has forgiven our sin and cleansed us from all unrighteousness. There is no greater joy than that of having the burden of sin removed from us. The precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 The Word of the Lord is also used in the cleansing. Jesus said. Now are YE clean thorough the Word that I have spoken unto you. Therefore it is vitally necessary that we both read and hear the Word for it worked a work of righteousness in us. The Spirit of life that is in Christ and subsequently in us also creates freedom from the Law of sin and death. Rom. 8:2 Every procedure of the Lord worked out in our lives is toward purification of the vessel containing the treasure. YE ARE, Enriched by Him. The words of Paul were not directed toward natural riches but once again emphasized those things which really count, the spiritual. Made rich in understanding of, and by the proclamation of the Word of the Lord. 1 Cor. 1:5 The people took note of Peter and John. Of whom it was said that they were unlearned and ignorant men who had been with Jesus. These men had become enriched in knowledge and in the Word of the Lord through their association with Christ. Acts 4:13 While some seek the riches of this life the wise seek first the kingdom of the Lord.