September 10, 2016

Matthew 4:16 NKJV - "The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death, Light has dawned."

"Someone, please turn the lights on!!"  When you're in darkness and the dangers are all around you; one false step could mean death; or, a movement of the arm could hit something and cause great damage; or, someone you love dearly could be in peril but you can't see to help them.  Such is the condition of our world today and such is the need for Christians to "...let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."  Matthew 5:16.  Just earlier in verse 14 Jesus said, "You are the light of the world..."  Our Daily Verse speaks of Jesus entering into this dark world and SHINING so all could see there was Hope to deliver from despair; there was Love to bring salvation to those lost in sin; there was Faith to give to those who needed to believe in One who could change their lives.  Jesus let His light SHINE so all could find their way out of darkness and into His marvelous light.

Christian, more than ever, our lights need to shine in this dark world.  Every day the news brings more horrible and sad accounts of the condition of humanity.  Though the scientists want us to think we're improving, you can't help but wonder and ask, "Where is that happening?!"  We might be more technologically advanced, but our moral behavior has gone from rotten to downright putrid.  People are killing people more today than most of us can remember.  Our nation may be battling in Iraq and Afghanistan, but our bloodiest battles are in our streets, our schools, and our homes. 

God is calling Christians back to "leaving all and following Christ."  The "leaving" doesn't necessarily refer to your jobs, your homes, or your loved ones.  But the "leaving" that really matters is leaving the world behind and all its moments of sinful pleasure; all its misguided ideas of success; all of this world's focus on how important you should make yourself.  God is calling Christians to show how important Jesus Christ is in their lives.  He is calling Christians to show this world that our home is in Glory and we're just passing through.  But while we're passing, we're bringing the message of hope and salvation in Christ that we heard ourselves.  And Christian, you can't be living for Christ and reaching the lost with your hearts still in love with this world.  "If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."  1 John 2:15

Where's the "Light Switch?"  I believe you'll find it in your "closet." 
(More about this tomorrow.)