“The light of the righteous [within him–grows brighter and] rejoices, But the lamp of the wicked [is a temporary light and] goes out.”
Proverbs 13:9 AMP
We are reminded today that the light that is within us needs to grow daily! The day of our salvation is the beginning step of a new life. When we commit ourselves to God and fall before the cross, it is no longer I that lives but Christ that lives in me! The darkness that was hovering over our life is shattered and the new light of life begins to shine forth. I am reminded of Jesus told His disciples,
““You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Mathew 5:14-16 AMP
Light is designed to dispel darkness! We are told that the light that is now in us will “shine before men” in such a way that our life will reflect the glory of God! Unfortunately, those who live in the darkness do not want the lights turned on! We read in the book of John,
“In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men. 5The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it].”
John 1:4-5 AMP
I love this verse because it tells me that even though the darkness will not accept the light, darkness cannot overcome it! Every day and in every way, our light should grow stronger and stronger for the world to see. That brings us to the realization that if we chose to live this life, there will be nowhere to hide! As the days and times grow darker and darker, our light should become more and more pronounced! The process of growing the grace and knowledge of Christ is the foundation for a brighter light. We must however, put into action that which the Word of God commands us, that is where we struggle the most! The ways of God are not the ways of man. In these last days, our life becomes more and more a threat to the darkness trying to control the destiny of mankind! Remember the words of Jesus?
“Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, “I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness but will have the Light of life.”
John 8:12 AMP
The key word here is “follows!” the Greek word means to “behave in accordance with a standard or agreement.” Notice the word behave! Following Christ is more than an intellectual ascent. It requires both understanding and then putting that understanding into action! We must bring our lives into agreement with that which our master has commanded. Then, and only then can the world see the light shining brightly. I am reminded that a lighthouse is not afraid of the storm. It is designed to withstand the gale and the tremendous force of the beating waves during the storm in order that its light may guide those in peril. My friends we are living in a stormy time and there are many falling victim to the storm! The Scripture is clear,
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 AMP
The key to all of this is to let the lost see the light of life shining brightly from our lives. That means our lives should be on display reflecting the light of the One who saved us. Yes, we will suffer ridicule and mocking from those walking in the darkness but remember, He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken.