Illumination for Lent
Good Morning Friends,
Do you know the first word spoken in the story of creation? The word is light the Word is Jesus. We did not generate it on your own. We are given light so others might too experience the purpose put before us. Without illumination microscopes do not work. Lighthouses seek to function and spelunkers are in a world of darkness. Without illumination we die. And if we say we’ve been enlightened, but still walk in the dark, we lie about understanding God’s Word and that is death…. Simply put, illumination in the spiritual sense is “turning on the light” of understanding. Now one of the ways God illuminates is through stories that activate our emotions and through the Holy Spirit are translated into feelings and then into actions that become part of who we are. Stories pull us in lots of directions. The Bible is filled with poems and songs and morality stories and mystery and love stories and narratives and action stories and comedy and drama and parables that engage our mind. After the Earthquakes in Haiti many Haitian youth relocated to Southwest Florida. They too had stories and to engage them in coming to terms with it we gathered them to share their experience through art. There is, of course, power in the story for it helps us to understand who we are. Now one youth drew a picture of Jesus with a big smile walking on the water I thought it was a perfect example of Jesus ruling over nature…bringing this young boy to a new land. So when I was asked to write this Lenten Devotional it prompted me to reconsider the consciousness and the stories of my life that pull me here and there and the mirror of the Bible to my life as it relates to these little kids from Haiti. The vision I have gained in the light allows me to tell my story reflected in His Story. It can be the same for you for God does want you to inspire people to use their gifts to reflect Christ and impact the global culture for Christ. Friends, the purpose of illumination always points to actions that transform. The Word has power to lengthen our life when the light is turned on.
Scripture: Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. Genesis 1:3 (NRSV)
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined.
Isaiah 9:2 (NRSV)
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
Therefore consider whether the light in you is not darkness.
Luke 11:35 (NRSV)
And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
Daniel 12:3 (ESV)
John Lawson is the Executive Director of One by One Leadership Foundation in Immokalee, Florida with a mission of connecting leaders, changing lives and transforming community. He is a graduate of Eckerd College with a BA in psychology. John writes a daily devotional and many of them have been translated into Creole as well as Spanish. He and his wife Amy live in the Everglades between Naples and Immokalee and love to look up at the night sky. They have two adult children and the entire family sings in the choir and plays English Handbells.
Reflections:
1. Have you ever begun to worship the things you have created?
2. How has scripture opened your eyes to God’s purpose in your life?
3. As a creature of creativity do you know the difference between reflecting and projecting?
Activity:
Read Genesis 1 and John 1 by candle light. Meditate of Vince Van Goth’s Starry Starry Night. Stand between two mirrors in the dark and light a candle. Draw or write a story using negative space.
Featured Organization: One by One Leadership Foundation http://www.1by1leadershipfoundation.org
Energy Poverty Fact: All earthly energy comes from the Sun. All spiritual power comes from the Son.
Daily Devotionals 