Good Morning Friends,
Today we revisit the idea of Light not just bathing the Earth but being in us. You have all heard that it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. But the problem is that sometimes we hide the candle. The thing is that God’s presence in us is designed to shine forth, so we might see and share the joy of life, in the assurance of our faith and in forgiveness redeemed. You can come as you are into this relationship with the Father through Jesus, but here is the disclaimer, you cannot stay in it without being changed. So, Is Your Light Shinning The Way To Resurrected Relationships?
Scripture: Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you. Do not plan harm against your neighbor who lives trustingly beside you. Do not quarrel with anyone without cause, when no harm has been done to you. Do not envy the violent and do not choose any of their ways; for the perverse are an abomination to the Lord, but the upright are in his confidence. The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the abode of the righteous. Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he shows favor.
Proverbs 3:27-34 (NRSV)
“No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light. Then pay attention to how you listen; for to those who have, more will be given; and from those who do not have, even what they seem to have will be taken away.”
Luke 8:16-18 (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.
Matthew 5:14–15 (NIV)
Message: If we are transparent in our dealings the light of God can shine through us. For ultimately, we have little light of our own and must depend on the light of God if indeed we are to shine a light in the darkness of the world. Friends, no insight or discovery shines so bright as Jesus. So today we think about the Light of God and consider whether the Lord will shine through us or not and if we are really allowing God’s Word to penetrate our hearts and minds so that we too become the Word shared. The image that Jesus paints in this regard is of someone going to get a lamp as dusk is falling, lighting the wick, illuminating the room, and then, for some inexplicable reason placing the lamp beneath a measuring bowl, to hide its light from the room in the foolish attempt to perhaps save it for themselves. Maybe we should ponder this for a moment or two… why a person would defeat the purpose of the light by doing such a thing and yet that is exactly what we do when we shy away from sharing Christ with those around us. So, friends, know that light is associate with the truth of God. Indeed, God is light…the Father of lights and the Word of God is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our paths. So, listen up. Someday friends, everything will be revealed by the light of God’s presence. The Day is coming. But if we belong to Jesus a resurrection is provided. Friends, the light reveals the truth of transformation. So, the way we live transformed lives is to live in the light of God’s truth, holiness, and purity… the Light of the World, Jesus. And know this…a relationship with Jesus is designed to impact every area and aspect of one’s life including our relationships with others. So, if we are allowing ourselves to be transformed into the image of Jesus, more and more each moment that light will help others in time seek the light for themselves. For those who we are in a relationship in Christ, our focus is encouragement, for the Body of Believers but also for those outside of Christ. The Way of our relationships, even though sometimes painful, needs to focus a light of glory on reflecting the light of Jesus in us. This is how we can help to bring others into the Family of God as children of the Light. This is the path of sanctification. Get ready to take your next step in the light of Christ. It is the way home.
And So, in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said that we are light, unfortunately too many of us do not like to share it properly. When Christ died on the cross it was as if part of him was placed in us as a light that if combined with others and focused would be a spotlight to shine into the darkness of the world. The challenge is connecting all those points so that others might see. The challenge is that too many are hoarders of light, keeping it hidden. Friends, we are to let the light of Christ in us shine so that others may see these fine works and give glory to God who is in the heaven. Our light is to be a response to God’s love in the message of Jesus…in the presence of Jesus. The key idea here is that light is to be revealed not concealed. Jesus will not be denied. But make no mistake about this point…as the light shines it exposes everything and challenges us to be blameless. Darkness cannot exist in the Light. There are no secrets here…ultimately all is revealed. Thankfully in God’s grace, here we discover that this journey is more about discovering God’s light in us than making our own.
Pray we reflect the light of Christ across a world of darkness. Pray we let Christ’s light shine in us. Pray we encourage one another in the truth.
Pray we keep the light on but not shine it in another’s eyes. Pray we shine it on the slant towards a person’s next step. Pray we allow the light of Christ to unlock the treasures of our earthly life so they might be shared generously. Pray we as change agents illuminate the gospel message. Pray we shine a light as a witness to the light in us so that the world might be transformed, and our own fears and demons defeated. Pray we be unified in the silent work of influence and a visible manifestation of God’s presence. Pray we Love our neighbors. Pray we Imitate Christ. Pray we Get to know others. Pray we honor Hospitality. Pray we Tell others about Jesus.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 