"The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them" Isaiah 9:2.
It was the moment of a lifetime; an event never to be again. My wife and I, and a couple who have been friends for many years, stood in a motel parking lot a mere ten miles from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Even from that distance, we could hear the countdown via the NASA public address system. The Space Shuttle's main engines momentarily turned the night sky into dawn as it roared from the launch pad.
Per Isaiah's words, we might say that Jesus lit up the darkness when He appeared in the region of Galilee to begin His public ministry (Matthew 4:12-17). It was in this region that He pierced the darkness with His revolutionary message: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17).
The advance of this present evil age to its inevitable conclusion is characterized by increased darkness, as has been foretold. The specific details are clearly evident to anyone aware of current events. But, the light that began to shine in Galilee over two thousand years ago shines brighter than ever. The greater the darkness, the more brilliant the light shines.
As His light-bearers, we have unprecedented opportunities in this present time of darkness. While it is a time of increasing godlessness, many who are victimized are yearning for hope. The sharp increase in diagnosed depression and suicides are ample evidence of the great need for true light and hope.
Jesus has issued the call to "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" Matthew 5:16. We aren't called to produce light, but rather to let the light within shine, whose source is Jesus. We are to position ourselves so that He can best shine out from us to enlighten others. That must surely mean that we are in proximity to others, whether neighbors, friends, family, co-workers, etc. His light shines from us through relationships.
We rejoice that the Light has come, and has shone in our hearts and lives. As an old chorus goes, pass it on. We want the world to know that there is true light shining in this present darkness, to give hope to all who will see and accept it.
©Steve Taylor, 2022 --Used by permission
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