“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.” (Isaiah 60:1,2)
A day of great darkness is a blessing in disguise for God’s saints. It is the perfect opportunity to shine brightly. God calls His children to BE His signs and wonders. People marvel when the sick are healed and the dead are raised, but love in the face of murderous hatred is an even greater cause of wonderment.
As the anti-Christ spirit grows in the world, and the animosity toward those who are His followers increases, what will be our response? Will we be so gripped by fear and so outraged by the injustice of it all that we will go on the counterattack? In saving our lives will we lose the witness of Christ?
Peter once picked up a sword, but Jesus healed the damage of His impetuous disciple. The more mature apostle sought to strengthen his brethren to bear persecution with a Christlike spirit: “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” (1 Peter 4:14)
We are the light of the world. In a day when true Christians are being vilified, each of us has our own world to shine in. Let those around you see what a true believer looks like – not only in the biblical standards you hold to, but in how you respond to evil.
Jesus said that if His kingdom was of this world His servants would fight. Put down your sword and guns and arm yourselves with a mind to suffer in the flesh, taking the unjust buffetings of men patiently. You never know who is being deeply affected by your witness and attracted to the light you shine. Stephen was instrumental in winning Saul of Tarsus to the Lord.
The seed that falls into the ground and dies brings forth much fruit. What was said so long ago still holds true today: “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.” Let us heap coals of fire on the heads of those who hate us, by doing good to them, blessing them, praying for them. Such glory cannot be evil spoken of – it draws all men to its beauty. The same light that reproves and repels the darkness, can also powerfully attract. Shine brightly for Jesus in an ever darkening world! Let His glory be seen upon you! Be a wise soul winner!
“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” (Isaiah 60:3)