|
|
|
|
Arise-Become-Build and Shine-part 3 of 3 (Amplified Bible) As we mature toward the fullness of Christ’s image within and among us, we become increasingly bright reflectors of Him Who is the Light of the world. Within that light is life itself, for “In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men” {John 1:4}. To those who follow His Light, Jesus continues to speak: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven” {Matt 5:14-16}. In other words, He urges us to let our lives so reflect the light of His life that others witness a righteousness that contradicts and puts to shame any life outside of His. Thus it is that He continues to shine through those who yield themselves to the fire of God, allowing the radiance of the Christ-life to replace that of the old self-life. Through us as bearers of the Gospel, not only in words, but also in power and demonstration, “…the Light shines on in the darkness” {John 1:5}. Moses and Eli represent two Old Testament examples of the contrast between those whose spiritual eyes shine with clear vision and those whose spiritual eyes are dim. Of the former it is written: “Moses was 120 years old when he died; his eye was not dim nor his natural force abated” {Deu 34:7}. But of the latter we read: “Now Eli was 98 years old; his eyes were dim so that he could not see” {I Sam 4:15}. For one’s eyes to shine with spiritual vision indicates radiance, hope, understanding and revelation. But dimness of spiritual vision signifies lack of revelation because of perception that is indistinct, cloudy and shadowy. What sadness God must have endured as he beheld the compromising manner in which Eli demonstrated his priestly call. Even as Jeremiah grieved over the ruin of Jerusalem, so God must grieve over all the lost potential of those who fall short of their promise in Christ. For as with Jesus the Son, the Father desires that all his sons reflect the brightness of Christ’s glory. For those who do not, He continues to weep with Jeremiah: “How the gold has become dim! How the most pure gold has changed! The hallowed stones [of the temple] are poured out at the head of every street. The noble and precious sons of Zion, [once] worth their weight in fine gold—how they are esteemed [merely] as earthen pots or pitchers… “ {Lam 4:1-2}. To the remnant, the Father continues to urge: “Arise [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you—rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!” {Isa 60:1} As His glory progressively arises within us, we become more luminous, more shining, more glowing and more radiant. That we may increase in manifesting His radiance, the apostle Paul provides a brief list of some of the negative heart attitudes which expose themselves through our words and which prevent the light of Christ from shining forth through us: “Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves], That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly] in the [dark] world” {Phil 2:14-15}. Of himself, Paul writes that God “had chosen and set me apart [even] before I was born and had called me by His grace…To reveal (unveil, disclose) His Son within me so that I might proclaim Him…” {Gal 1:16). Desirous of demonstrating as well as heralding the Gospel, Paul doubtless identified and repented of any dark spots which the Holy Spirit revealed that his life might so follow Christ’s as to manifest the very character and nature of his Lord. May we so follow that we so shine. -Ruth French September Newsletter 2005 | Reconciliation of Fire | Distractions | Pastor's Journal September 2004 Holiness is for Now | Arise-Become-Build and Shine part 3 of 3 |
Biblical Counseling for Leaders
|
|
Copyright © 1995-2007 Living Word Christian
Fellowship, Inc.
|
