LET IT SHINE!

I’m awestruck by the significance of Jesus’ declaration, yet at the same time challenged. Here we find Jesus standing in the Temple courtyard, which would’ve been overshadowed by immense menorahs. When lit, their brilliance illuminated the Temple and much of Jerusalem with spectacular light. Their intensity was temporary though, lasting only until their wicks were extinguished. It was with this grand illustration nearby that Jesus proclaims His spiritual life, the light of life, goes beyond the Jewish nation and into the entire world. He is the never-ending light that radiates into every hidden corner, every dark place of man’s imagination; and oh, how we need it in these days we are living in.

Jesus’ words confront me where I live because in Matthew, He says we are the light of the world. How does this work? He’s the light of the world and, so am I? It happens because Jesus and the Holy Spirit have the same mission of bringing light into hearts and minds by using us. He becomes the illuminator in our life by the indwelling of the Spirit, and works through our life, as we consistently walk according to the light of His Word. I have to ask myself, “How am I living? What can others see of Jesus in me?”

All around us, people are walking in darkness with no idea of where they’re going either in this life or the one to come. They’re running straight into disaster and need someone to simply shine a light, not a nuclear explosion or some other great blast. Much of what God accomplishes is through gentle persistence. It’s like holding up a candle. Have you ever noticed that the darker the day or night, the brighter the candle seems? His life in us naturally becomes a light for others. All we need to do is just let it shine out from within.

As silly as it may seem, we need to remind ourselves of the words our kids sing in Sunday School, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine” and then joyfully do it.