It
is easy to feel overwhelmed by dark circumstances. I recently heard a
quote that after experiencing five negative events in a row, people will suffer
sadness or depression. Watching the news easily fills that quota: political
mayhem, school shootings, fires, robberies, terrorism, etc. And everyone
experiences personal pain or disillusionment, health issues, loss, lies,
rudeness, being snubbed, cut off in traffic, ignored, scammed, gypped, etc. The
list goes on and also includes our own short-comings. I have found during
the dark and difficult days, I need to turn to the gospel of John.
“In
the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He
was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without
him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life
was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness” (John
1:1-5a).
John
acknowledges that darkness is real. There is spiritual darkness and evil,
ranging from the small to the horrendous, little lies and mass murders, lack of
empathy and pure hatred. Yet John also acknowledges the bigger picture—the
eternal God purposefully enters the darkness and brings light. Jesus
entered the world to become a light, shining with hope. What is light? It
is new life (John 1:4), grace, truth (1:14), salvation (1:29), love, sacrifice,
eternity, forgiveness (3:16), goodness, justice (5:28-30), fulfillment,
purpose, satisfaction of spiritual hunger and thirst (6:35), and more.
God
enters our world; seeks us out, and offers another way to live. Our
troubles do not disappear, but he offers an alternative. Instead of being
overcome by evil we see his goodness, instead of seeing a world of hate we
experience his love, instead of chaos: his plan, instead of lies: his truth,
and instead of despair: hope. Jesus says, “I am the light of
the world. Whoever believes in me will never walk in darkness, but will
have the light of life.” (8:12)
And
we are called to shine. “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place
where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its
stand, so that those who come in may see the light” (Luke 11:33). Having
seen God’s light, we become the lampstands to reflect his light. We are
given an amazing gift: God’s light to share with the world! I find it
astonishing that God entrusts us with his light. But he does, and he uses
us, despite our weaknesses and frailties, to bring others hope.
One evening as my husband and I were out walking our dog we passed a house with the front door wide open. A little boy was inside, smiling, and yelled out to us, "We're making donuts! Do you want some donuts? Come on in!" We smiled and politely declined his offer, but I thought later - we should have gone in for the donuts. Wouldn't his parents have been surprised? But isn't God's love like that? He yells out, "Come on in and get the good stuff." Do you have a story to share? Please comment.
ReplyDeleteYes, doughnuts!!! I love how freely children share like that! Had you accepted, his mother might have been mortified (politely). But, that really does explain why Jesus guided his disciples to be like little children. I don't have a story to share, but I like yours--and it does inspire me to be more like the little boy in the doorway in terms of sharing the Light that God has entrusted to me. Takes courage! <3
ReplyDeleteYes, true! Thanks, Pamela! And I am coming over to your house for donuts.
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