The Rising Light
From the opening scene at Creation to the eternal daytime of Revelation, Scripture is full of glimpses of light. We know the source of all light, of course: the Father of lights (James 1:17, esv), who loves to bless his people with his goodness. Often this true light is reflected in the people who recognize it. After all, Isaiah called God’s people to rise and shine with his glory (Isaiah 60:1-3), and Jesus told his followers not only that he was the light of the world (John 8:12), but that they were too (Matthew 5:14). In the darkness that surrounds us every day, God draws people to himself through human agents who shine with his brilliance.
But you already know we don’t shine perfectly; that is painfully obvious. A quick look at history and the culture around us reveals that God’s people have only made a mark on this world when we have demonstrated unusual wisdom, power, or love. These are core attributes of God, and our impact as agents of salt and light will necessarily involve at least one of these three. They make up the foundation of our faith and demonstrate something of who God is to those around us.
This is a high calling— higher than our natural abilities. But that’s by design. Few people are impressed when we show ourselves to be as wise, empowered, and loving as average people. But when these divine resources flow through us from beyond ourselves, wonderful things happen. Others notice. We become testimonies to a larger truth than even our own finite eyes can see and minds can grasp.
Make this your mission. Seek the gifts that come from beyond yourself. Resolve to live in the light, to reflect the glory of your Father in ways that differ from typical human interaction. Getting there will be a process, but the journey comes with a promise— that God’s light, shining in you and through you, will change this world.
Father, fill me with the wisdom, power, and love of your presence. In the same ways I’ve received your light, let me reflect it for others to see. May the dawn of your glory rise in me and shine through me each day. Amen.
This is an entry from One Year Salt & Light by Chris Tiegreen. This devotional is available at OMF Lit Bookshops and our online store, shop.omflit.com for P365.
About the book:
This year, learn to bring the light & hope of Christ into your home, your community & your world.
Scripture calls us to be the salt of the earth and lights in the world―preserving, flavoring, brightening, and warming the lives of those around us. But too often, it seems the world is getting more and more closed off to the hope and promise of faith. How do we bring the light of Christ to the world around us, showing His love to the people who need it the most?