(Jesus said) “You are the light of the world. …” Matthew 5:14a
Jesus telling His followers they’re the “light of the world” is no small thing. As Christians, the times we have to share Christ as our Lord and Savior or, in other words-to be His light to others in this world-actually occur fairly often. Unfortunately, we often dismiss or sidestep these chances as we carry on with our busy and important lives.
Sometimes, however, we may find ourselves in a place where we would never have imagined sharing the Gospel with others.
Such was the case of Nury Escobar de Milian of Guatemala, a Sunday school teacher who has been sharing the Good News with students for more than 25 years.
Five years ago Escobar de Milian was kidnapped and held captive for five days in the jungles of Central America. When she was abducted she had one book in her possession-her Bible. That proved to be a blessing for her and those among whom she was held hostage. With it she read to the children of the women who were taking care of her doing this trying ordeal.
What a wonderful time and place to apply all those years of teaching Sunday school!
Some months later following her release, Escobar de Milian learned that missionaries were not allowed to come into those jungle communities or they would be threatened with death. Although outwardly her situation had the uneasy possibility of becoming a terrible experience, God gave her the strength to share the light of the Gospel with her captors.
As Jesus is the light of the world, so are we called to carry that light to those places where others need to see it. That may be at your neighborhood farmers market, while watching your kids play soccer or, as in the case of one Guatemalan Sunday school teacher, while held captive in a jungle.
The message of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection transcends cultural barriers and has the power to transform any life. Thanks be to God who has given us the privilege of sharing His light with the world!
THE PRAYER: Father in heaven, thank You for giving us the light of the Gospel. Help us to reflect Your light and glorify You in the different situations of our lives. This we pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Biography of Author: This devotion is based on a text submitted by Nury Escobar de Milian. She serves as an interpreter to Lutheran missionaries and coordinates groups of volunteers and missionaries coming to Guatemala, including those who come to serve at Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones (CPTLN). Based in Guatemala City, Lutheran Hour Ministries-Guatemala utilizes Project JOEL, Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC), Equipping the Saints (ETS), and a young theater group, Kerigma, to spread the Gospel in this country of more than 13 million people.
Pastor Ken Klaus Lutheran Hour Ministries http://www.lhm.org/ all rights reserved; not to be duplicated without permission.