Catching the Light

It is amazing the transformation that light can bring.

As I sit here looking out to sea, the metal railings in front of me look cold, grey, battered and old.  A little way to my right however the sun is just high enough to be clearing the corner of the peninsula and in its light the railings are glowing, gloriously catching the sunlight and making them look like a golden rail edging the sea.

I can just make out in the distance a dark blob that I’m guessing is a small fishing boat – and then it changes direction and the side window of the wheel house catches the sun and reflects it back. Now the “blob” is transformed into a bright blazing orange light that attracts my eye as I look out to sea.

The Bible tells us that God is light:

“This then is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5 MEV)

“Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.” ” (John 8:12 MEV)

It is up to us though to position ourselves so that we can “catch the light” just like the boat.

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 MEV)

How do we do that? How do we position ourselves? How can we make sure we are reflecting the Light of the world?

When we give our lives to Christ His Spirit comes and lives within us but it is then up to us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind, fixing our eyes upon Him, studying His Word, learning His ways, modelling ourselves on Him, working to make sure there is “nothing between us and God” so that as His Light shines, it can do so clearly.  I love the way that the Message puts it:

“And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognised as obsolete, we’re free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him” (2 Corinthians 3:17-18 The Message)

Isn’t that exciting?  Isn’t that an awesome promise?! That is something to strive for – working to make sure that more of Him and less of me is shown, so that when others look at me they see His Light shining – a candle on a candlestick rather than hidden under the “basket” of myself.  I want that transformation!

There is something to guard against though.  We must keep in mind that in ourselves we are nothing, but that it is by His Light we can shine.  Reflective clothing doesn’t shine in itself – it needs light to shine upon it for it to be transformed.  We are to be like that with God. It is never OUR light that is drawing people but HIS Light that makes us attractive, that makes people want to be around us, that brings blessings to the places we work, success to the things we turn our hands to.

“For with You is the fountain of life;
in Your light we see light.” (Psalm 36:9 MEV)

 

May I never forget it is His Light not mine that attracts people and may I always ensure the glory goes to Him.

“Night shall be no more. They need no lamp nor the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 22:5 MEV)