The LIGHT (from Cup of Cold Water)

The LIGHT

  "Light" What does that word make you think of when you hear it? Daylight. The sun. A lamp inside your home. The headlights on your car. A  light by which to read. A candle to light your way. So many ways in which light plays an integral part in all our lives.

   As this new year, 2020, rapidly approaches, I want to share a few Scripture verses with you, and a few questions with which to stimulate our thinking.   You see, God has so much to say about the importance of light in the world, especially as it affects our lives as Christians. And if we miss these basic truths we will miss some of the greatest blessings our Father has for us.

Early in His ministry Jesus said, “I am the light of the world! The one who follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8.12) If we believe (rightly) that Jesus’ Spirit dwells in us (aka the Holy Spirit), are we to be lights to the world?

 A related question: Would you want someone following your light?   Hmmm.

  In another place, Jesus said this: “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” (John 12.46)    

"To shine!”  What a calling!  

   OK, just who’s calling is this? The local pastor’s?  How about the elders: is it their calling? How about the ladies who help in the nursery every Sunday morning? Does that include the barber down the street who loves Jesus? Is he/she called to shine as a light?

 Jesus provides the answer. Speaking to a crowd of people on a mountainside, He said, “You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5.14)  

  

Hmmm.

Does that “you” mean me?  How about my brother?  My sister?  How about you?  What about the church pianist? And does that you include the person working at the local lunchroom who also believes in Jesus?

  Jesus was speaking to a huge, mixed group of people that day. Some estimates are as high as 5,000! Can you imagine? If only 1% responded positively to Jesus’ message and went on to be “a light to the world…” –that’s 50 souls! 

 Then, when you multiply that by the millions over the past 2 millennia who have heard—repeatedly—the life-changing message of Christ… can you imagine?  Could I?

   But, here’s another word from Jesus. As He was teaching  his disciples, Jesus said, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine.” (Mark 4.21)  

  Let’s be honest here. About the only reason someone would do this with a lamp would be to start a fire!  Yet, what do we do?  When it comes to letting our light shine, do we cover or reveal?

  Why is it our natural tendency—at least speaking for myself—to “hide our light,” rather than allowing it to shine?

  A better question: When people see us, or talk with us, who do they see? Our spirit or the Spirit of Christ?  Or is it the same?  Is our lamp burning brightly for all to see, or do we have our light cloaked or covered?

  So many questions!

  

 I don’t know about you, but personally, I am challenged. Am I being the “grumpy bear”  I can so easily be, or is Jesus’ Spirit being displayed?  Am I responding to others as I would wish to be treated, or is my old nature reacting to their words or behavior? 

  Jesus’ standards are always high, yet He always makes it possible for our light to shine brightly!

 submitted by Terry & Patricia Lampel,    

Cup of Cold Water