Good morning Lord Jesus, I surrender all , so that I can receive all from you.
“Arise! Shine! For your light arrives!
The splendor of the LORD shines on you!
For, look, darkness covers the earth
and deep darkness covers the nations,
but the LORD shines on you;
his splendor appears over you.
Nations come to your light,
kings to your bright light. (Isaiah 60:1-3)
When Isaiah walked the earth and looked out at his world approximately 3,000 years ago a deep darkness covered his world and his nation as well. Isaiah’s answer was not for the people of God in his time to retreat from the darkness, withdraw and isolate from the deep darkness, but to arise and go out and shine, and be beacons of light that drives out the darkness
Approximately 800 years after Isaiah and 2,000 years ago Jesus walked the earth and when He looked around the world, his nation was occupied by a foreign army and a deep darkness of sin covered his nation and the world. Like Isaiah, Jesus’ answer was not for his followers to isolate themselves, withdraw in their churches, and withdraw from society. But to be His light, one that illuminates and turns back darkness. Jesus said,“You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden. People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:1516)
Looking at the news today, you probably get the sense that the world, our nation appears to be a scarier, darker place. And what is the answer today? For us to isolate, withdraw from the world, social isolate ourselves inside out homes and churches? No, it is same answer Of Isaiah and of Jesus. We are called to go out and light our world. Be a light in the darkness. And light being a metaphor for pain, be a source on love, hope, and joy in the lives of our neighbors and communities.
My family, you are the light of the world. Because the same light of the Lord that both Isaiah and Jesus declared shines in you! You carry the splendor of God in you! I pray you may enter into darkness, enter into the pain in this world, and bring and be a beacon of light, healing, hope and Joy, in Jesus’ name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you my friends!
I would love for you to please share your reflections with myself or others using the comment box below.
My wife Nancy and I are in a new season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over this season in my life and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758. Thank You Thank You!