Are You Afraid of the Light?
Good Morning Friends,
When we go camping as a family we typically go to bed when it gets dark. The whole experience brings us closer to God’s wonderful creation. But there are times when we have arrived at a camp site when the sun has gone down and the tent is not pitched. Ambient light is not sufficient to complete the work. It is then, when we do not have enough hands to accomplish the task at hand alone, that we need help with a little focused light. So it is with our spiritual needs for without that focus all we really see are shadows. Sometimes we require someone to provide a focused beam that anticipates our actions and shines a light into the darkness of our lives. And this they must do with some degree of enlightenment. Anyone with common sense knows not to shine the light into another’s eyes. But finding the right angles to shine a light in a way that does not blind us in the process takes some skill. Before we can progress… before we can take the next step… before we can get done what needs to get done, we need someone holding the light in a way that does not bewilder our eyes. Are You Afraid of the Light?
Scripture: In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
Genesis 1:1-5 (NRSV)
Jesus 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)
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. Happy are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O LORD, in the light of your countenance; they exult in your name all day long, and extol your righteousness. For you are the glory of their strength; by your favor our horn is exalted. For our shield belongs to the LORD, our king to the Holy One of Israel.
Psalm 89:14-18 (NRSV)
Message: Some scholars suggest that Jesus timed the saying of today’s scripture from John with the lighting of the brilliant flames of a giant Menorah in Jerusalem during the mass camp out called the Feast of the Tabernacles. Whether or not Jesus chose that exact moment to share this important message really does not matter. When it comes to Him shinning a light into our lives, the drama is still there. And in the experience of salvation we begin to understand what Jesus meant. It is here we understand that Jesus desires for us to have sight in the spiritual world so we can attend to the task at hand. Thankfully God has agreed to be our guide and protector on the journey. Here He brings us out of captivity and shines a light into the darkness of the sin of our lives so that we might see the next step as He leads us into life and the promised campground. When Christ’s light shines through us an amazing transformation happens. When God’s light shines through us we come alive in a new way that provides focused light for others. Until then we are as dark shadows and lifeless figures waiting to find our purpose.
Pray we do not bewilder others with an unfocused light. Pray that we focus on the light needed for the task at hand. Pray our next step be in the light and promise of Jesus. Pray that on the journey even though we do not know where we are or where we are going, we realize we are never lost when we are with Jesus. Pray that we share the light He has given to us so we might shine it in those places on this earth…those dark places where people still live in superstition and fear….those places of cruelty, violence and despair that need the truth of Jesus’ light shining in each of us. Pray we make an assessment of our spiritual growth and pray for illumination from the Holy Spirit. Pray we give attention to activities that will lead to transformation. Pray we are not afraid of the light. Pray we are not blinded by the light or blind others as we shine. Pray the light of truth and love shine in and through us to the glory of God for His purpose in us.
Blessings,
John Lawson
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