Light

Light

Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Matthew 5:15-16

My pastor, Kent Hughes, had an interesting experience when flying back to Chicago from a missions conference in California. He had been busy the whole week and was looking forward to reading C. S. Lewis’s Letters to Malcolm, but as he got on the plane he prayed, “Lord, if you want me to share Christ with someone, I’m willing.” The seat next to him was already occupied by a young man who was reading an Isaac Asimov novel. Pastor Hughes took out his book and said, “Are you enjoying your book?” The result? He didn’t even notice the jet taking off or the in-flight meal as he shared Christ with this young man. It was the shortest trip to Chicago he had ever taken. He was so caught up in a divine appointment that he left his copy of Letters to Malcolm on the plane!

Being a light for Christ is often not convenient or easy. John the Baptist was certainly an example of that. John was sent out to be a witness to Jesus Christ, telling people that the Light had come into the world. There were three important things that John the Baptist taught (as quoted or implied in John’s Gospel), and they are important for us to understand if we want to be witnesses for Jesus:

1. Jesus is eternal (John 1:15).
2. Jesus is full of grace and truth (John 1:16-17).
3. Jesus is the way to God (John 1:18).

Our focus must always be on Jesus.

Father,

May we be good students of your Word so that we will be ready to share your light and truth with others who do not know you. Amen.