Be In The Light
David is a part-time adventurer, keen cook, baker, kayaker, rollerblader, and biker.
John 3:19-21 (NIVUK)
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
Psalm 34:5 (NIVUK)
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
Our Gas Street motto is ‘Light for the City’ and I think that's fantastic, especially in the current times. Everything is easier to deal with in the light and harder when it’s kept in the dark. Have you ever tried to complete a task in the dark, read a book, thread a needle, find a path?
If we are to bring the light, then we will have to spend more time in the light. The light will show up things in our life like a washing powder commercial and a white shirt. This might worry us as we may not want people to know about things done to us or by us. It seems more comfortable to keep those things in the dark, along with the associated shame and guilt. We are promised, however, that as we keep close to God and walk his way, there will be no more guilt or shame. So if we bring something into the light, the shame and guilt no longer have power over us.
As we get ever nearer to Jesus' return, the difference between the light and the darkness will become starker. Jesus foretells the rise of the 'spirit of lawlessness' with people rejecting any form of authority, wanting to do evil in the darkness.
We are not immune to that in the body of Christ. Some pursue their own individual agendas rather than biblical ones in church and outside of church. We should be encouraged that the Lord knew this would happen and has promised to help us to live in the light.
When riding a motorbike, you learn that you go where you look. Just keep looking at Jesus who is the Light. Receive the promise from him that you will be able to navigate the dark and slippery bends of life.
Prayer - Heavenly Father, I know you will do me no harm; I ask that your light reveals those things you would like me to deal with. As I receive forgiveness for my sins, I also choose to forgive those who have hurt me (be specific). Replace my shame with honour and my guilt with freedom and fill my life with your light and life.