Light breaks through the darkness
“Because light illuminates the darkness of the world, people experience real life; No longer must the darkness control them.”
From the disobedience of the first couple of parents until today, sin has plunged many people into great darkness. But Isaiah sees a glimmer of hope:
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. Isaiah 9:2 (ESV)
1. Light breaks through the darkness
Let's look a little at the life of the Apostle Paul. He persecuted Christians to the extreme at that time. But something strange happens at the gates of Damascus:
“Light breaks through his darkness”
Paul falls to the ground and hears a voice: Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? After asking who he is? Says the voice “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.”
Paul himself is ignited and from now on brings the light of the Gospel to all people. The Holy Spirit shows Paul the way to Europe. There he and his companions go to the river bank and talk about the gospel.
A God-fearing woman named Lydia listens; The Lord opens her heart and she believes and is baptized with her entire household (Acts 16:14-15).
Light breaks through their darkness.
Our mission is to spread the light that has been lit to those who listen! We cannot allow the light to break through the darkness and we are not responsible for it!
Our text says: “The Lord opened his heart!”
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 (ESV)
Isaiah says of him:
“He says: “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6 (ESV)
2. Candlelight is consumed
Every candle only fulfills its purpose when it burns, and in the process it consumes itself. Paul is persecuted, captured, but the light burns on and on and finally consumes itself in Rome.
From prison he writes: “You should know, brothers, that my imprisonment has even contributed to the spread of the Good News.”
It is important to him that Christ be magnified through him, whether he lives or dies (Philippians 1:19-21).
God's call does not stop like earthly employment, there is no age limit or retirement. God's call ends with the last heartbeat.
A pious prince had a burning candle in his coat of arms and the motto underneath: “I consume myself in the service of others.” That should also be our motto!
I remember a sister in Stuttgart. She proselytized until her death: she was found lying unconscious on the ground with the tract bag in her hand. When I visited her in the intensive care unit, she was no longer responsive. Her funeral was a wonderful send-off. - Witnesses stood at the edge of the grave and confessed that in the service of Jesus she had consumed herself for me.
3. Candles bring the message of light
They radiate warmth and closeness to anyone who lives in a cold and hostile environment. How often do we suffer from the injuries we inflict on each other and experience the breakdown of many relationships as a result. Much of what shapes our lives awakens fear in us and makes us feel dark.
How necessary is an encouraging message that brings light into our darkness. God wants to invite us to count on his help with the promise: “There will be no darkness for those who are in fear.”
4. Candlelight only burns upwards The candle just can't help but burn. It is in their nature to be directed upwards. It's the same with us, only if our nature always strives upwards will our life be a fulfilled life.
Jesus says: Seek first the kingdom of God... (Matthew 6:33).
Some things may weigh us down. But when we give God and his cause first place in our lives, the flame always burns upward.
Children sing in a children's song: "Jesus tells us to shine with a bright light, burning like a small lamp, clear and pure - you in your corner, I in mine here."
Especially in the Advent season, when there is a lot of stress, hectic pace and an excessive amount of light surrounding people, many people feel the longing to get to know the true and genuine.
With this in mind, let us be candles
- In a cold and unwelcoming environment, as these candles light up the darkness of the world.
- Only burning candles consume each other (sacrifice)
- Let us radiate warmth and closeness.
- Like candlelight, let us always focus only upwards.
Author: Egon Waechter
Bilder: https://pixabay.com/de/
