Bright Lights
"You are the light of the world"
Matthew 5:14
Matthew 5:14
In
the summer of 2015, a group from our church was sobered by what we saw
in Mathare, one of the slums in Nairobi, Kenya. We visited a school with
dirt floors, rusting metal walls, and wooden benches. But against the
backdrop of extremely humble surroundings, one person stood out.
Her name was Brilliant, and the name couldn’t have fit her better. She was an elementary school teacher who possessed joy and determination that matched her mission. Colorfully dressed, her appearance and the joy with which she instructed and encouraged the children were stunning.
The bright light Brilliant brought to her surroundings resembles the way Christians in Philippi were to be positioned in their world when Paul wrote to them in the first century. Against the background of a spiritually needy world, believers in the Lord Jesus were to shine “like stars in the sky” (Philippians 2:15). Our assignment hasn’t changed. Bright lights are needed everywhere! How encouraging it is to know that through the One “who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (v. 13) believers in Jesus can sparkle in ways that fit Jesus’s description of those who follow Him. To us He still says, “You are the light of the world. . . . Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14–16).
Her name was Brilliant, and the name couldn’t have fit her better. She was an elementary school teacher who possessed joy and determination that matched her mission. Colorfully dressed, her appearance and the joy with which she instructed and encouraged the children were stunning.
The bright light Brilliant brought to her surroundings resembles the way Christians in Philippi were to be positioned in their world when Paul wrote to them in the first century. Against the background of a spiritually needy world, believers in the Lord Jesus were to shine “like stars in the sky” (Philippians 2:15). Our assignment hasn’t changed. Bright lights are needed everywhere! How encouraging it is to know that through the One “who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (v. 13) believers in Jesus can sparkle in ways that fit Jesus’s description of those who follow Him. To us He still says, “You are the light of the world. . . . Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14–16).
Today's Reflection
How can you reveal the light of Christ to others? What can you do to bring His joy to those who desperately need it?
This is a convicting message but also a message of encouragement. Sounds like a contraction but not meant to be. Convicting in the sense that we are so privileged here in Northern California as compared to the slums in Kenya and yet we often complain of our difficulties. Encouraging that this sister in the Lord, appropriately named Brilliant,is able through the Holy Spirit to be a positive light in the darkness. Her positive spirit despite having to endure living in abject poverty is a testament to the Lord's ability to work through any and all circumstances.
ReplyDeleteWhat a touching story. Brilliant what a radiant and fitting name. For the circumstance she was in, and how positive she remained is truly inspiring. It really reminds you to look at your own life and realize how much we have, and how unappreciative we are sometimes about the things we have. When we know the Lord we shine bright, and people can see that without even knowing. SO lovely!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteLiving a life connected to the Lord will lead others to Him. He will give us opportunities to share. We can all open our eyes and hearts and share with others.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this devotional. This year has been a challenging year so far, with several students pushing me to my farthest limit of "light"! I know how blessed I am but it is a wonderful reminder how truly wonderful I have it, and if Brilliant can keep her light shining in a very dark place, I can certainly push through some bad attitudes.
ReplyDelete