3.16.9 "The Light"

Not sure why this didn't post yesterday... Sorry about that.

"The Light"

Numbers 24:1-25:18
Luke 2:1-35
Psalm 59:1-17
Proverbs 11:14

Luke chapter 2 is a very familiar passage to all of us. It begins with "... a decree went out from Caesar that all should be taxed..." and continues through "... there was no room in the inn...". There's the angels, the shepherds, and all of the splendor and simplicity of the coming of Jesus to earth.

As was the legal requirement for the Jewish people, if the first born was a male, he was to be brought to the priest to be dedicated to the Lord. Simeon, the priest, is described as "a good man, very devout, filled with the Holy Spirit and constantly expecting the messiah to come soon. For the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen him - God's anointed King."

Verse 27 says, "The Holy Spirit had impelled him to go to the Temple that day; and so, when Mary and Joseph arrived to present the baby Jesus to the Lord in obedience to the law, Simeon was there and took the child in his arms, praising God."

I love this story. Here is a man who loves God. He's been waiting all his life for God's promise to come to pass. How many days was he going to the temple waiting to see the Messiah? He's sensitive to the Spirit of God directing his path.

What Simeon says is what captures my heart. "Lord, now I can die content! For I have seen him as you promised me I would. I have seen the Savior you have given to the world. He is the Light that will shine upon the nations, and he will be the glory of your people Israel!" (vs. 29-31)

The phrase "He is the Light that will shine upon the nations..." is what we need to bring with us today. We who know God are bearers of the Light. It may seem that there is darkness all around, but darkness cannot resist the presence of the Light. We have a Mission to Reach our World for Christ.

It's too often easy to become so accustomed to the Light that we forget the desperation of the darkness. The Light is Truth. The world around us is filled with confusion. There are people within your circle of influence today who are in need of an answer. They are filled with the darkness of turmoil. The situation may not seem huge from the surface, but often there's a tremendous blackness underneath. Just a glimpse of the light of truth can bring hope that is desperately needed.

Before the sunrise, the darkness seems so powerful. But that's not the case. There is no real strength in darkness. Darkness is merely absence of light. When the sun comes up in the morning, the darkness is shown for what it is: Powerless. In the same way, Let's bring the vibrant Light to the world today.

One thing to note is this: We shouldn't "use" the Light as a spotlight shining it in people's faces causing them to run and hide. Remember, Jesus said he did not come to condemn the world, but to save it. We should wait for the opportunity for the Light to shine from within. He is the Light men are drawn to. He is the Savior of the world!



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ