Philippians 2:14-16 “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” NKJ
Isaiah 60:19 “The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.” ESV
Canada Day was a scorcher and the temperature was still up well into the evening. It wasn’t quite dark yet, but the rhythmic booms signalled that backyard firework displays were already underway. I stood on the porch with my eyes to the sky hoping to catch a glimpse of a colorful ‘shooting star’. I was rewarded with the bright red sparks falling from the final burst of a Roman candle. As my eyes fell to the ground with the red embers, they caught sight of a tiny white light blinking from within the hedges. I fixed my gaze on the hedgerow and waited. Yes! Fireflies. A dozen tiny white lights floated among the bushes. These tiny specks of light drifted throughout the garden, silently blinking on and off as they travelled along. I found myself immersed in watching their journey and felt completely at peace. As I took my focus off of the firefly light display, the sights and sounds of the Canada Day celebrations bombarded my senses once again.
John 8:12 “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.”
People are drawn to light. As Christians, we are like tiny fireflies moving about this big old world. We quietly go about our daily routines, unaware that others are watching our behaviour and activities, yet all the while we’re shining our little lights. As we live by God’s statutes, God’s light shines out from within us and draws the attention of those around us. Occasionally, our little blinking light will generate enough curiosity to draw someone into a conversation about its source. Scripture tells us that Jesus is the light of this world. When our eyes are focused intently on Him, the hustle and bustle and cares of this world are completely blocked out, and we experience a peace that surpasses understanding.
Prayer: Loving Father, we thank you for giving us Jesus; the light of the world. Refresh our spirits and fill us with the light of your love and the truth of your word. Help us to shine brightly for You today as we go about our daily routines. May our tiny blinking lights draw people to the real source of light; Your precious Son, Jesus. Use our efforts to Your glory. In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.
London, Ontario, Canada