Lights in the World

A Classic Devotional from C.H. Spurgeon

We use lights to make manifest.  A Christian [man] should so shine in his life that a person could not live with him a week without knowing the gospel. His conversation should be such that all who are about him should clearly perceive whose he is, and whom he serves; and should see the image of Jesus reflected in his daily actions.

Lights are intended for guidance.  We are to help those around us who are in the dark.  We are to hold forth to them the Word of life. We are to point sinners to the Saviour, and the weary to a divine resting place.  Men sometimes read their Bibles, and fail to understand them; we should be ready, like Philip, to instruct the inquirer in the meaning of God’s Word, the way of salvation, and the life of godliness.

Lights are also used for warning. On our rocks and shoals a light-house is sure to be erected.  Christian [men] should know that there are many false lights shown everywhere in the world, and therefore the right light is needed.  The wreckers of Satan are always abroad, tempting the ungodly to sin under the name of pleasure; they hoist the wrong light, be it ours to put up the true light upon every dangerous rock, to point out every sin, and tell what it leads to, that so we may be clear of the blood of all men, shining as lights in the world.

Lights also have very cheering influence, and so have Christians.  A Christian ought to be a comforter, with kind words on his lips, and sympathy in his heart; he should carry sunshine wherever he goes, and diffuse happiness around him.

“In the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”  Philippians 2:15

Healing the Blind

Photo credit: Ole C. Salomonsen
http://www.articlightphoto.no

Some days reading the scriptures you are just struck by the power, and the insight. I read in Isaiah 29: 17-21 that one day “the blind shall see out of obscurity and darkness…”
I read those words and saw something I had not noticed before. The light of God’s glory bring clarity to our souls, our hearts, and minds. His light reveals the truth of His promises, and when He created the Light from darkness, it was not just a physical manifestation, but also an inner one. Who but God could bring sunlight, and Son-light into our reality to show the beauty, power and majesty of Light. This light opens eyes and souls to the wonder that is God and it is always present. When the Israelites left Egypt, God used His Light – a pillar of fire- to light the way and turn away the darkness of their fears. They experienced the power of His protection, the loving warmth of His embrace and faithfulness, and the regenerating healing of His spirit while in the wilderness. They also had the pillar of cloud-His cloak of protection which gave the perfect amount of covering from enemies, and elements.
Healing the blind is not just the physical, but also spiritual healing. We come out of obscurity and darkness into His marvelous light. With every step in our personal wilderness, God slowly removes the veil from our minds, hearts, souls and we experience true lasting healing.