Light Always Wins
Good Wednesday to you,
Do we dare let the light of Christ shine upon us? That may not be as easy of a question to answer. Because, when the light shines in the darkness, the darkness fades. Literally—it disappears. What is left? Everything is exposed and out in the open. Our gut response is "Of course, we want the light of Christ to shine upon us." However, the practice and application is often intimidating and daunting. Some of us have been asleep for a long time and forgotten the freedom we find in the Light. Allowing the light of Christ to shine upon us provides clarity for the things that need Christ's attention. It might surprise us, but it never surprises Jesus. So, do we dare let the light of Christ shine upon us?
The Apostle Paul writes, "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead and Christ will shine on you." It's time to wake up. Obviously, the world is "asleep," in spiritual darkness and spiritually dead. It is God who calls the person from their sleep—for only God can give life to the dead. However, there are some in the Church who have been asleep and need to be awakened. It is time to rise and allow Christ to shine upon you—that you might know and experience the freedom of Christ's light. In so doing, we live as children of light—living into the Kingdom here and now.
Children of light speak words that bring forth life and not obscenity, foolish talk, or course joking, which are out of place. Allowing the light of Christ transforms our words to bring forth thanksgiving (words). Living in the light of Christ frees us to live free of sexual immortality, impurity, or greed. Allowing the light of Christ transforms our bodies to live as a holy people set apart for God's purpose (bodies). As the light of Christ shines upon us, we put aside greed and idolatry, moving towards investing in kingdom building (wallet).
The world is a very dark place and it seems to be getting darker and darker each year. I'm grateful for our brother in Christ, the Reverend Dr. Nate Landis, for proclaiming the Word last Sunday. The challenge to "wake up" and shine the light of Christ in a dark world is as important now as it has ever been. As we allow the light of Christ to shine on us, we see the areas in our own lives that need transformation. Only Christ can bring about transformation that brings healing and restoration. As we allow the light of Christ to shine on us, we also reflect the light, like the moon reflects the light of the sun.
It is easy to lose hope in this world. But, take heart, when the lights are on, life gathers as it draws people in—much like a camp fire draws people around for warmth and visibility. The world needs the Church to shine brightly, like stars in the night sky.
I pray and hope your light is shining today!
Blessings,
Pastor John
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!
