Photo by Casey Horner on Unsplash
“The people who lived in darkness have seen a bright light. A light has risen for those who live in a land overshadowed by death.” Matthew 4:16 (GW)
One of our most important missions as Christians is to share hope and comfort in all things and all times. Especially in times like these. Sharing that hope through the good news that God’s Light shines through even through the darkest night.
“In the light, we find safety.
In the light, we find refuge”
Debbie McDaniel
The light keeps us pointed in the right direction.
We can trust his light to guide us when things seem unfamiliar, tragic,
or too dark to find our way.
How can each of us be this light to everyone we meet, sharing the hope and joy of God’s salvation in the midst of darkness? Here are three ways we try putting this into practice every day:
1 – Be a witness
The Gospel of John begins with the story of God sending John the Baptist as his messenger and witness (John 1:6-8). John’s mission was to give an honest account of what he had seen and heard from the spirt of God speaking to him. We can model John by relating to non-believers with truth and testifying to what God has done in our lives. While it’s not our job to make people believe, God does charge us to share the truth boldly and lovingly.
2 – Keep Jesus’ Commands
Jesus said “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will have a life filled with light and will never live in the dark.” (John 8:12) For believers, following Jesus means keeping and following his commands. When we do this – even in moments when we are tempted to slip into the darkness of the world – those around us will notice, just as John was noticed. And though many will reject our way of living, many others will be drawn in and curious about why our lives seem so different.
3 – Shine your light boldly
During his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) It’s overwhelming sometimes thinking about how we can be a beacon of Jesus’ light for others. We have our own lives, our own concerns, our own needs. And what if we’re rejected? It’s more comfortable to let others be that light. Yet just as Jesus told his disciples they were not to remain hidden but to shine their light “as a city set on a hill” he gives us the same instruction. We’re not meant to keep our faith tucked away safely at home – especially today!
Be the light in a world that often seems filled with darkness.
