A Great Light

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—

2     The people walking in darkness
   have seen a great light;
      on those living in the land of deep darkness
           a light has dawned.
3     You have enlarged the nation
       and increased their joy;
      they rejoice before you
       as people rejoice at the harvest,
      as warriors rejoice
       when dividing the plunder.
4     For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
     you have shattered
       the yoke that burdens them,
       the bar across their shoulders,
       the rod of their oppressor.
5     Every warrior’s boot used in battle
       and every garment rolled in blood
      will be destined for burning,
       will be fuel for the fire.
6     For to us a child is born,
       to us a son is given,
       and the government will be on his shoulders.
      And he will be called
       Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
       Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7     Of the greatness of his government and peace
     there will be no end.
      He will reign on David’s throne
       and over his kingdom,
      establishing and upholding it
       with justice and righteousness
       from that time on and forever.
      The zeal of the Lord Almighty
       will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:1-7, NIV)


REFLECTIONS:
That boat in which you ride patrols a dark and sometimes stormy sea. This passage relays the good news that the darkness is past, that there is light ahead, and that you are now in the boat—safe, dry, and welcomed. Those coming in from the deep long to know that the days of oppression lie behind them. 

I have recently become friends with a woman who had lived a horrific childhood. The messages she received about herself told her that she was trash, worthless and unlovable. Believing those lies, she inevitably made lifestyle choices that allowed that message to be reinforced again and again. A few short years ago she realized—to her astonishment—that God loved her, treasured her, and found her to be a delight. She's told me a number of times that the moment she realized God loved her, the world instantly divided at that moment into a hopeless past and a boundless, bright future. This woman—who is involved in a sister church in the area and on staff at Highland Lakes Camp—came to experience the light of God’s love because she had come to know specific people who displayed it for no apparent reason other than, as she later began to realize, that “God had shone it on them too.” 

By just being themselves—living in and extending God’s shalom, the people around my friend were God’s instruments to transform and save her life. She found herself in the presence of a community of love and affirmation that she had always hoped had existed. Their faithful presence pointed her to God’s light. In turn, she soon began fishing for people too. 

What light have you seen? What yoke has been lifted for you? What is the prize, the great harvest, for which you must thank God? The answer to those questions likely holds the vitality behind your prayers, presence, gifts, service, or witness—the reason that your individual presence can be so vital to God’s work today. What a treasure indeed! 

........

In today's reading, Isaiah announces new possibilities for Israel as the formerly obscure possibilities emerge in the light of God. Isaiah notes a contrast between the former days and the latter days. Israel moves from contempt to glory, from oppression to liberation. 

Friend, you and I are part of the long human journey from darkness to light, a campaign that will shatter the yoke of oppression and provide a rich harvest for all people. At our journey’s end, we will dance with joy! Our mission is to live in a way that will bring more and more people in touch with the Source of light. This week, we have considered the task of simply being present—being ourselves as we transform into and reflect the image of Christ. 

As I wrote this week's devotionals, I made a concerted effort to focus my thoughts on you and your journey of faith. That mindset held me accountable, and I imagined that you held me in love. Thinking of you made me cognizant of the mystical connection that we all share. You need not be physically present to make an impact. You influenced me! Likewise, your prayers for those who don’t even realize that you are doing so create power for good in their lives. Your material donations to the church’s missions affect people all over the world. The exercise of your personal gifts in your own ministry extend far beyond your sight—even beyond your vision. Your simple service and compassion to others reverberates past them into places you’ll never know. And the witness that only your life can provide is essential to tell the whole story of the kingdom. 

I cannot wait to hear the stories of the good done in a world that needs it more every day—of the lives that have been touched, even transformed, by contact with you. You serve as an exemplar of the love, affirmation, and welcome of Jesus Christ. For the Fisher of People, you were quite a catch! 


PRAYER:
Gracious God, thank you for loving us. Thank you for your unwavering presence in our lives. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve your kingdom. Strengthen us, today, to shine out the light of Christ through our words and actions. Empower us to proclaim the message of the salvation through our expressions of your love. Amen.


WHO AM I?
I am Tres Sansom, and I am sooooo wishing the Super Bowl was this weekend! Come on NFL… Why this stinkin' delay?