The Scripture for today is Matthew 4:13-17 13 Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— 14 to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:
15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16 the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Every morning, one of the first things that I do when I wake is to turn on the lamp at my bedside. When I go downstairs, I open the blinds and let in the light. I love to see the shadows disappear and the light illuminate the day. For me – light is energy. My mood is lifted as the sun peeks over the horizon. Light is also safety – the shadows of the night no longer hiding secrets and lurking danger. Light is warmth – the sun warming my skin, a glowing fire taking the chill out of the air. Darkness is the opposite for me. When darkness comes, I close the blinds in order to feel less exposed in the privacy of my home. I tend to have less energy and more of a desire to rest. Darkness feels less safe – things that might hurt me are hidden under the cover of darkness. Darkness feels cold and sometimes lonely.
Light and dark are meaningful words for me in my faith walk. When I came to a renewed faith twenty one years ago – light entered my soul in the presence of Jesus. As the Holy Spirit has continued to lead me – dark and secret hurts have been brought into the healing light of Jesus. As I lift my face up to Him, his countenance smiles down upon me; warming me with his presence. When I walk through dark times, He is my light, my hope, my safety. I don’t have to fear the darkness – the hidden dangers. I know that he is with me and will work all things for my good.
Light and dark are meaningful words for my family. For my husband and children, who are believers, how do I reflect the light of Christ living in me onto them? How do I honor and value them as Jesus would have me honor and value them? How do I encourage them to cling fast to him in times of darkness and trouble? For my extended family members who don’t have a strong faith in Christ, who live in darkness – how do I encourage them to let the light of Christ shine onto them? How can I honor them and the family relationships that we have without compromising my faith – a faith that they don’t necessarily share?
Lord Jesus, thank you for being light in a sin-dark world. Thank you for loving us and valuing us so much that you gave your life for us. Teach us to be your light and radiate that light to those all around us. Teach us to hold fast to you in the midst of darkness. We love you, Jesus! Amen!
Kelly