Light In a Dark World

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put in under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16

As Christians, we have the Light, Jesus Christ, living in us. We have been rescued from darkness, and given light. And our call now is to take the light of Christ boldly and courageously into a dark world, so that those in darkness can know the hope and peace of the Light of Jesus Christ.

When I was in India in 2010, my pastor and I had the privilege of talking with a man named Ashish (name has been changed). Ashish lives in and pastors a church in northern India, along the Pakistan border. This region of India is incredibly hostile, as radical Muslims regularly persecute Indians and Christians in the name of jihad. Therefore, as an Indian and Christians, Ashish lives in constant risk of persecution, even at the risk of death. As we talked further, I asked Ashish about his family. He is married, with two young daughters. And because of their faith in Jesus, and association with a Christian pastor, Ashish’s family is also at constant risk of persecution.

Being a husband and father of daughters myself, I couldn’t help but imagine what if my girls had to endure the reality of daily wondering if they would be persecuted for their faith in Jesus? Would I be as outspoken for Christ knowing that my family was at greater risk?

So I asked Ashish, “What keeps you going? Knowing the risk for you and your family, what causes you to continue to pastor and speak of Jesus?”

Ashish answered, “I used to be in darkness. Every day I lived and walked in darkness. But then, someone came and brought the light of Jesus to me.” Then he slightly shrugged his shoulders and looked straight at me, “There are still people in darkness. I have to tell them about the Light.”

What a resolve and conviction to take the name of Jesus to those who do not know Him. And the good news – John 1:5 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” HE HAS OVERCOME THE DARKNESS!! We cannot lose. If God is for us, who can be against us?

Prayer this week: that we would have the conviction, love, and faith to take the Light of the world, Jesus Christ, into the darkness of those around us.

We are the light of Christ. There are still people in darkness. We must take the light of Christ to them. Let’s go!!

I love you guys. Press on!