Being a Light In Darkness
BY MARGO MCKENZIE
After God created the heavens and the earth , Scripture says he created light naming it day , and the darkness , already in existence , he called night . From the beginning , God has been establishing and distinguishing light from darkness . The source of all light comes from God .
After the disciples let their boats and nets and followed Jesus , they listened to him teaching in the synagogue and observed him healing the sick and diseased . After he explained to them the rules of living in the kingdom , he conferred on them light-status : “ You are the light of the world .” With that light came responsibility .
PURPOSE
The purpose of light is to distinguish itself from the darkness , to stand out . The darkness in the world that surrounds us : godlessness , injustice , child abuse , discrimination , sex trafficking , bullying , sickness , homelessness , neglect , alienation , family fragmentation and more compels us to shine . The goal of light-bearers is to bring attention , understanding , hope and healing to one or many who suffer . God expects us to bring His love and truth to the darkness and provide His path for their deliverance from it .
PETER AS A LIGHT-BEARER
Consider when Peter stood up to address the crowd in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost . After the Holy Spirit came down and began to speak in tongues so Jews from different countries hear the gospel in their own language , everyone was confused .