That used to be the slogan to get people’s attention to buy and/or read a newspaper or article. To focus on something that should be important to everyone. What gets our attention today? Things are occurring around the world that require our decision and response. Freedom and morality are at stake, and everyone should be dialed in, fully. Our attention and action can mean the saving of democracy and decency as we know it. Corruption, immorality, and lawlessness are in plain sight. Why do we all not see it? There are darkness and light and those bent on doing wrong used to hide in darkness. Now, they do it openly. Those less confident or without the means to protect themselves hide in the shadows. Shadows are just partial shielding; it is still darkness. We can’t hide from God anyway. He requires the best of us, and to give less or to give in to lesser beings means we fall short and/or we worship someone or something else. The bible reads in Proverbs 4:19, “The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.” Some don’t know because they refuse to turn the light on. They are intentionally blinded. They like where they are and they like what they do. Even if it requires hurting others. The word of God warns in Isaiah 5:20, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!”
Jesus is the light of the world. He came to illuminate everything, to make certain we know right from wrong, and good from evil. If we acknowledge God in all our ways, the word says He will direct our paths. We read in John 3:19-21, “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” If we claim to be of the Master, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies and the God of Isreal, our actions should reflect the fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, … and self-control. Jesus came to offer us cleansing from all that we do and did in darkness, to illuminate the Way, the only Way. As written in Acts 26:18, “To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” Jesus is the answer for the world today. Above Him there is no other; Jesus is the Way.
I heard a sermon a few weeks ago where the pastor referenced several passages in the bible. He asked a question to the congregation whether they thought the passages were a command from God or were cultural. From being baptized to casting lots to appoint church officials. The questions required some thought from everyone paying attention. Some held up their hand; some didn’t. One thing I am sure of, God wants us to do what is right. The greatest commandment and the one just as important is shown in 1 John 2:8-11, “At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” It is amazing how new commandments evolve around love. Love is also the answer for the world, and God is Love.
Our walk with the Lord is made clear. It is stated in 1 John 1:5-6, “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” He did not sugarcoat it, smooth it out, make it sound pleasant, or put a learner’s curve on it; We Lie. But we can make the turn from darkness to light. To do our best each day to live for Christ. To love and do what is right; to put others before ourselves; to honor God in all we do. The bible reads in1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Jesus came to earth to make a way for all who love the Lord and love their neighbor. We are called to be that chosen race, the royal priesthood, the holy nation, and His own possession. Judgement has not yet been pronounced. We can get it right while there is still time. It reads in 1 Corinthians 4:5, “Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.” Jesus is coming back. I can’t speak for you, but I want my commendation, my extra, extra, extra, to show I lived in the light, and that I lived in love.