“This fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah: ‘In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River, in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.’” (Matthew (quoting from Isaiah) 4:14-16 NLT)
The arrest of John the Baptist set in motion the launching of Jesus’ ministry that introduced a light into the world that had never been seen before. While God’s light had shone in darkness before, never had the fulness of the Godhead been poured into human flesh to shine in ways never before imagined.
Just as there are different levels of darkness, there are different degrees of light. I’ve been in the darkness of a cave where I literally could not see my hand in front of my face and the light of a match seemed bright as the sun. I’ve also stood in bright sunlight where the light of a flashlight or lighter was inconsequential.
Darkness demands discernment and just as Jesus knew the precise moment to come forth and begin His ministry, there comes a time in each of His followers’ lives when we must decide to plant our feet on our proverbial hill and shine for Him. Pastor Corky Calhoun gives us insight when he writes: “Being a light on the hill is a declaration of war against depravity and darkness.”
With the Lord’s return growing closer every second, we must be about our Father’s business of pointing others to Him before it’s eternally too late. Darkness seeks to hide the fact there are no second chances after we close our eyes in death. If we have a right relationship with the Lord Jesus, have had our sins forgiven, been filled with the Spirit and are walking in the light of His holy life we will go from light to light; otherwise, we’ll go from the light of opportunity to the darkness of eternal lostness.
Here’s the truth, we’re either agents of light or darkness; we’re either sharing the truth of the Gospel that is lighting the way for those who are walking in darkness or we’re not. And please understand, I’m “preaching to the choir”, beginning with myself. I’m not perfect and, honestly, I fail more than I succeed when I share my faith with lost people.
My notes to my neighbors have resulted in very few even responding and those who do, with rare exception, are not changing in any significant ways. War has casualties and too often those of us who are seeking to share are the targets of Satan’s arrows. However, to me that’s a good thing because it helps me understand I’m doing something right. I’m rattling Satan’s cage; I’m making a difference.
Yes, of course, there are men and women of God the Lord uses in extraordinary ways, but that’s not me and it may not be you. Just be faithful where the Lord has planted you. Be kind, thoughtful, loving, caring, compassionate and when the opportunity arises, give praise, honor, and glory to Jesus for His goodness in your life. Extend the opportunity for someone walking in darkness to know the way to find the light. Learn a simple Gospel explanation, practice it on a family member or friend, then be ready to share it with anyone who will listen. We’ll never lead anyone to the Lord with whom we haven’t shared.
Please don’t allow Satan to cover your light under a “bush” of self-doubt, feelings of inadequacy or anything else. Determine that you’re a child of God, filled with light and life and you’re not going to keep the hope you’ve been given by Jesus to yourself. He will guide and equip you. Just be willing to listen to Him.
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
