dailywordofdestiny

Lights in the World

“In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word WAS God.  He was with God in the beginning, all things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created.  Life was in Him (Jesus), and that life was the LIGHT of men.  That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it  (John 1: 1-5).   … God is light and there is absolutely no darkness in Him… 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: 5-7).   You are the light of the world.  A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven  (Matthew 5: 14-16).” 

Have you ever entered an unfamiliar house in the darkness of the night?  You will take very cautious steps as you are feeling (as a blind man) for the light switch which is usually somewhere on either side of the entrance.  I have been in such a place and it can be frightening because you cannot see anything ahead, beside, or behind you.  You can’t even see your hand when you put it right in front of your face!   You must move slowly forward for there may be something on the floor right in front of you, or perhaps there is someone coming up behind you, or maybe there are bats that are ready to take flight and get tangled in your hair, or there could be rabid dogs, or hungry rats hanging about; silently watching you and waiting for the opportunity to  attack!  This sounds ridiculous in the light of day, but our thoughts really can and often do run in all directions when we are faced with the unknown (darkness).  

But think about when your fingers feel the light switch and you quickly flip the switch and behold, there is LIGHT and with it comes the ability to see all about you.  There is a relief that washes over you as you look at the room you are in; the bookshelves lined with books, a cozy sofa in front of a ready-to-light fireplace, and there on the table is a covered plate of cookies and a note of welcome.  You smile and put your fears onto the back burner of your mind as warmth and peace floods over you!  

Being blind (in darkness) to the truth (light) is discussed in 2 Corinthians 4, ” But if, in fact, our Gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.  Regarding them:  the god of this age (the devil) has BLINDED THE  MINDS of the unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (4).  To live in darkness may quite easily suggest that these people must live in constant FEAR for they cannot see any good ahead, beside, or behind them.  This world and all that lives within it is very temporary; there is only death ahead; so basically, these people are searching for the light switch.  

The rest of 2 Corinthians 4 has a directive to those who know Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, as their personal Savior.  “For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your (the blinded) slaves because of Jesus.  For God, Who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness’ — He has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ” (vs. 5, 6).  We are the Light Switch to the revealing of God’s glory through Jesus Christ!   Hallelujah!  Jesus Christ is LIGHT and He is the HOPE and PEACE for all mankind who choose to believe the reality of who He is.  We are under the same directive as Jesus gave to Saul (aka. Paul), “… I will rescue you from the people and from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to Light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share among those who are sanctified by faith in Me” (Acts 26: 15-18). 

The picture I have used today is a map of the world with many lights scattered throughout.  It is a representation of where each of us who know and love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind live right now.  We represent the LIGHT OF CHRIST through His indwelling Presence in each of our lives.  It is in His Presence that we have access to the necessary power (Holy Spirit) that causes our light to shine brightly in the darkness and reveal Jesus in His reality here on earth.  Where there is LIGHT, no darkness can exist.  As all of us increase our time in His Presence, the power within us grows exponentially until…the WHOLE EARTH IS FILLED WITH HIS GLORY!  Wow… the very BRIGHT and undeniable LIGHT OF JESUS CHRIST that is and will bring peace to those who were once in darkness!    LET THERE BE LIGHT is my heart cry!   Praise the Lord!