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Such is the way Jesus describes all His followers, continuing with, “A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on it’s stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men,...” Matthew 5:14-16

It is no coincidence then that at this time of year, we are especially drawn to light; as it gets dark earlier, house and street lights are more noticeable; with a chill in the air, fireplaces radiate welcoming warmth. We decorate our homes in festive colors; trees trimmed with lights while candles shimmer and dance. Mankind has always been drawn to light. Worshipped as a god and utilized as a tool of survival; light – to illumine, beckon, warm, warn or expose, has been used for man’s benefit since the beginning of time. We depend on the light and warmth of the sun, we enjoy a moonlit walk, we use light to expose dangerous water, rocks along the shore, sharp curves in the road. A light in the window beckons us home, a porch light tells us we’ve arrived at our destination. It is no coincidence that one of the first acts of creation was light, possibly as a means of imposing order on the creative process. As, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and void, darkness was over the surface of the deep,… And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was…” (Genesis 1:1-3) Scripture informs us of another part of the trinity’s presence – at creation – characterized as light as well. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men.” John 1:1-4 The creative word of God, the life-giving light of the world, “…the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being,…” Hebrews 1:3; Jesus of Nazareth. For, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” John 1:14

It was only fitting his introduction to mankind was heralded by light. Announced by angels with the glory of the Lord shining about them (Luke 2), and acknowledged by wise men who followed his beckoning star (Matthew 2); Jesus came to earth to show mankind the way to reconciliation with God, in part, by displaying the attributes of light. He lit the way, beckoning us to follow; he exposed the pitfalls and dangers of sin, warning us away from wreck and ruin; he warms the hearts and souls of all who choose to believe and follow. His word illuminates the path of righteousness even as it exposes the unrighteous deeds of many, warning of resulting punishment. He emphatically said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 Yet sad to say, “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.” John 3:19-21 (See also 2 Corinthians 4:4) At his first appearing, some didn’t see or recognize the star announcing his coming; not everyone heard the angelic proclamation of his arrival. But Paul assures us that the next time Jesus enters human history it will be unmistakable and undeniable. “This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire…” 2 Thessalonians 1:7

Not coincidentally, God is characterized as light or fire throughout scripture. He spoke to Moses through the burning bush, setting in motion his plan for the rescue of Israel (Exodus 3) and provided for their protection from the pursuing army of Egypt as a pillar of fire. (Exodus 13 & 14) He conversed with them through Moses at Mt. Sinai (Exodus 19); appearing to the Israelites as a consuming fire on top of the mountain.” (Exodus 24:17); as “…from his right hand went a fiery law for them.” Deuteronomy 33:2 (KJ) Of him was said, “…the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” Deuteronomy 4:24; but he also went before his people to assure their victory, “…like a devouring fire.” Deuteronomy 9:2

When corporate worship was instituted with the ministry of Aaron and his sons, God showed his confirming presence when fire came out from the midst of the tabernacle, consuming the offering on the altar (Leviticus 9), much like the experience of Elijah with the priests of Baal on Mt. Carmel. (1 Kings 9:18) This unique presence was shown as well at the consecration of Solomon’s temple; fire again consuming the offering and the “Shekinah” glory signaling God’s presence and pleasure. (2 Chronicles 7:1-3) A similar manifestation was seen years later at the transfiguration of Christ as His face and clothes became radiant; while emanating from a surrounding cloud a voice instructed, “This is my son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” Matthew 17:1-5

Isaiah cautioned that those who failed to heed God’s Word would face repercussions. “The Light of Israel will become a fire, their Holy One a flame…” Is. 10:17 (See also Malachi 3:1-4) Consequently he admonished his fellow Israelites to, “Come, …let us walk in the light of the Lord.” Is. 2:5 While David declared, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 (See also Psalm 27:1) Saul the persecutor later became Paul the missionary in part as a result of his seeing the light, literally, on his way to Damascus (Acts 9:1-6); and described the testing we may all undergo, proving our commitment and motivation to service by a testing of “fire”. All the impure and excess of our lives being burned away, leaving only the true foundation of Christ and faithful works of service. (1 Corinthians 3:11-15) John prophetically warning though that, “If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the Lake of Fire.” Revelation 20:15

The Holy Spirit, promised by Christ shortly before his crucifixion, held true to form and first appeared as a manifestation of fire. (Acts 2:1-4) The significance of that revelation being realized in the disciples’ response to God’s provision. They had been dutifully praying for God’s guidance and expectantly waiting for his promised blessing. (Acts 1:4,5) Upon receipt of the gift they became – well – fired up! They realized their purpose was not to be keepers of the flame but to be fire starters, and immediately went out teaching, preaching and witnessing to the tune of 3000 converts that first day! He expects no less of us as we are being transformed into his likeness – reflecting his glory. (2 Corinthians 3:18 & Ephesians 5:8-11)

Try to hide a flame in the dark! Light is not passive, it can’t be; by it’s very nature it draws attention to itself or what it is highlighting. In fact, the darker the surroundings, the more penetrating even a small light will be. If your life is what it should be, you will be easily recognizable, displaying what is right and exposing what needs fixed. Like Moses, whose face is said to have shone with an unearthly radiance after spending time in God’s presence (Exodus 34:29-35), so our countenance should be noticeably different as a result of tim,ke spent with Jesus in prayer and through contemplation of his word (Mat.5:16); becoming a compelling illumination of the way of salvation to people living in the shadow of death in a sin-darkened world. (See Matthew 4:16 & Luke 2:32)

"Today's Little Lift" from Jim Bullington

Mercy and not Sacrifice (Sept. 29, 2010)