August 9 You Are The Light Into The Darkness Matthew 5:14-16
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
What is the purpose of a “Lighthouse?” Clearly, it is to warn others and to guide others and to direct others as they navigate through the “Darkness” of this life. For years, I have been taught that I should be a “Lighthouse” to others, as we travel through this life. The words of the song, “The Lighthouse,” have inspired me and have brought clarity of purpose for me, as I navigate the darkness and the treacherous waters of this life! “There's a lighthouse on the hillside that overlooks life's sea. When I'm tossed it sends out a light, Tis a light that I might see. And the light that shines in darkness now will safely lead us o'er. If it wasn't for the lighthouse, my ship would be no more. And I thank God for the lighthouse; I owe my life to Him. For Jesus is the lighthouse and from the rocks of sin; He has shone a light around me that I could clearly see, if it wasn't for the lighthouse, tell me where would this ship be?” (Ronnie Hinson 1970)… Believers, we have a responsibility to be the “LIGHT” that shines into the “DARKNESS” of this world and we are to be that “LIGHT” in everything that we do and say! The scripture, for today, clearly tells us that we are to place our light, in such a position, that it lights up the entire area where we are and that we are not to hide our light! Are you shining bright for Jesus? Are you offering guidance and hope in these stormy and turbulent times? I love what Dwight L. Moody said many years ago…“We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we won't need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses don't fire cannons to call attention to their shining- they just shine.” (D.L. Moody) It is, absolutely critical, for true believers, to be a “LIGHTHOUSE” for others; in this “DARK” and DEPRAVED” world! What are we to do when we hear that EVIL has overtaken the “Common Sense” of seemingly intelligent people? What are we to do when we hear that there is a serious threat to our freedom to express our Christian beliefs and to exercise that right in our congregations? What are we to do when, what we have been taught what is right, our entire lives, suddenly become wrong? What are we to do when it appears that Satan and his minions have overtaken the thoughts of a misguided and lost generation? IT IS A SIMPLE ANSWER!! WE MUST BE THE LIGHT THAT IS SHINING IN THE DARKNESS OF IGNORANCE AND DESPARE AND WE ARE TO LET THE LOVE OF GOD SHINE BRIGHTLY THROUGH US INTO THE IGNORANCE AND DARKNESS OF OUR DAY!!! Our opinions DO NOT MATTER, Our thoughts DO NOT MATTER, our political positions DO NOT MATTER; our philosophical positions DO NOT MATTER! The only thing that really matters is the duty and responsibility to share Jesus and to be the “LIGHT” of Christ into this Dark and sinful world. Two days ago, I was asked if I had an opinion about the political and social unrest that is happening in our country and I responded, “YES!” Keep in mind, I have an opinion, however, it is just that, My Opinion. I know that my opinion is not going to save anyone and my political beliefs are not going to lead anyone to the saving Grace of Jesus! If my first thoughts, when encountering someone that is “Lost,” how they feel about the President or how they feel about this politician or the movement of EVIL that is sweeping across our land, and I get them to share their viewpoint, when will I have the opportunity to “LIGHT UP THEIR LIFE WITH THE LIGHT OF JESUS?” Listen, Believers, we are called to SHARE JESUS and to be the LIGHT OF JESUS INTO THIS DARK AND SINFUL WORLD! Please do not allow opinions to overshadow our responsibility to, FIRST AND FOREMOST, TO BE THE LIGHT, SHINING BRIGHTLY INTO THE CHAOS AND DARKNESS OF THIS PRESENT AGE! The more I study and the more I pray and the more that I share the Love of God, I see, more clearly, my true and ultimate responsibility: BE THE LIGHT INTO THIS WORLD! All of the other stuff is just temporary, because THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME, I AM JUST PASSING THROUGH! I do not know what calamities and troubles and depravities are to come, yet, I am assured that, as a True Believer, I am an “OVERCOMER,”AND I AM TO BE THE LIGHT OF JESUS, and I know that I will be successful, because HE PROMISED, and I BELIEVE IT, and I CLAIM IT! How about you? Are you a “Lighthouse “ to some lost and weary soul? Stay Strong, Stay Focused… Remember, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!!