Some days, our lights may shine brighter than on other days. Nonetheless, Jesus told his followers, “You are the light of the world!” How? they must have wondered.
This morning while praying for my friends, I “saw” them as white lights bursting through the night sky. No, not like candles that flicker and dim, nor lightbulbs relying on an undependable power source, nor streetlights to brighten the way for travellers. These friends were more like dynamite-induced fireworks, filling the sky with exuberant brilliance. I smiled. I felt that the affirming mental image came not from my own thoughts but from the Holy Spirit.
While we lived in the country, I enjoyed walking at night with my faithful German Shepherd companion leading the way. Against the canopy, even the smallest star seemed to twinkle with added glory. Often, these smaller lights would go unnoticed until I looked away. Only then did their feeble glimmer catch the outer edges of my vision. In contrast to my friends, these tiny flickers amid the broad expanse of night perhaps best illustrates the minuteness of my shining for Jesus.
However, whether bright or dim, all who know and love Jesus reflect His perfect light.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-15
The I AM
The apostle John rightly directs our focus.
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'”
John 8:12
What a profound thought! Just like those tiny flickers of starlight in the reaches of the heavens, our subtle glow bears often dismal witness to His Presence in and around us.
Do you feel it? The darkness of sins shadow, invading places that once shone bright. I do.
No worries! Jesus Christ, the I AM of all eternity shines with undiminishing brilliance against earth’s bleak landscape. His light will never, to any degree, decrease. Whether in Africa or China, the largest nation or the smallest island, the Presence of Jesus shines. Not confined to time or space, the brilliance of His radiance reaches the highest heights and the lowest lows.
His promise is to everyone who follows Him. They “will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” We hold His Word as completely trustworthy and faithfully true.
You Are the Light
Even the smallest lights make a difference. As we rely upon Jesus as our Light, we almost effortlessly reflect Him wherever we go. Whether like fireworks or candles, we may only represent the outer reaches of all He is. Yet even then by His grace, we make a difference to those around us.
May we boldly share His light wherever He leads us. Perhaps, many people will shine far brighter than us. Others may bravely hold forth only a flickery flame. Nonetheless, we each bring our little or much to those around us. May we never underestimate the power within the unity of our flames. We are the light God uses and blesses in our community, resulting in God receiving glory! Others will know that this brightness could never come from us alone. We are but cracked and broken vessels. Yet, His incomprehensible light radiates even through our brokenness.
“…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
If our lives resemble fireworks, like my friends, then blaze high — unashamed to be seen and known by many. Let’s rejoice when Jesus shines through us like a streetlamp — lighting the path for young and old alike. Even when we feel our radiance has been quenched by trauma, pain, or grief, we need not fret.
Oh, my sweat friend! You and I are the light the world needs to point them to Jesus. Nothing and no one can extinguish the light He has placed within us.
I invite you to join your little light with mine, as I join mine with yours. Together we will re-present the true Light, Jesus Christ, to the world.
Prayer
Father heal our brokenness and embolden us to shine for You. May we know again that united we blaze the brightest. May Your light be clearly seen by everyone — not for our glory but for Yours. Your abiding Presence causes darkness to flee before us. You have chosen to partner with us to bring life and hope to desperate places and situations. Whether through a smile, a handshake, or simply acknowledging the value of another, may Your glory show through us again and again. We refuse to compromise or compare ourselves with others but walk with the grace You give us. Come, Lord Jesus. Bring hope, help, and life to those around us. Shine! Shine bright, today, Lord. Shine for the Father’s glory and the praise of Your Name.
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Other blogs about letting your light shine:
Light Shines Brightest in Darkness
Fireflies and Lightning Bugs – Let Your Light Shine