Shining the Light 

   “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not be placed on a lampstand?  For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light.”  (Mark 4: 21 - 23) 

   Have you ever gone into a seldom used basement or attic to look for something? When you turn on the light you may see many things you weren’t looking for such as mice, roaches, spider-webs, dust, and dirt.  A place that is unattended tends to collect undesirable things.

   When we invite Jesus, the Light of the world, into our lives we need to understand that He will make visible things we would rather be left hidden, things we may have buried deeply within us.  Not a sin, not a failing will be unknown to Him.  For someone, like me, who has sinned greatly in the past this can be a scary thought.

   But it is also a healing experience that brings forgiveness and peace to our life.  We can’t overcome something unless we are willing to confront it and do what is necessary to remove it from our life.  Past sins will come to mind, but so will the fact that those sins have been forgiven.  To remember them reminds us of how easy it is to fall into serious sin, and to better appreciate the mercy of God in His forgiveness.  They urge us to try harder to avoid sin going forward.

   The light of Jesus points us to the future.  It reminds us of how weak we are and how often we fail, but it also reminds us of His great mercy and the joy that awaits if we will follow His light.  Where there is God, there is no darkness. 

Your light shines brightly.

Let it shine on me.

There is peace in the Light.

There is joy in following. 

Amen