Week 4, Day 4 – Let There Be Light
A flashlight consists of the outer casing, and on/off mechanism, the batteries, and the light bulb. Flashlight casings come in all makes, models, and sizes, but they all work essentially the same way and with the same purpose – to illuminate the way. Notice that the casing or outer shell simply houses the real workings. Without the batteries and the bulb, the casing is absolutely worthless. When we describe a flashlight, though, we speak a lot about its outer shell; it’s sleek, small, tough, black, metal, water-resistant, etc. However, we only get emotional about a flashlight when its inner workings are activated. We’re relieved that it works or angry that it doesn’t. We’re comforted when it works, frightened when it doesn’t. We’re grateful when it works, frustrated when it doesn’t. When we truly need a flashlight, we couldn’t care less what the casing looks like, just as long as the light works.
Let’s see ourselves as the casing of the flashlight, created by God, empowered by the batteries of the Holy Spirit, and indwelt by the light bulb which is Jesus. We are worth anything at all only when the inner workings are present and allowed to do their job.
In Luke 1:76-79, Mary knew who her Child would be as she said, “And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord… to give his people the knowledge of salvation [and]… through the forgiveness of their sins, to shine on those living in darkness…” (NIV). When Jesus was only 8 days old, the elderly Simeon knew He was “a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your peopleIsrael” Luke2:32(NKJ). The apostle John introduced Jesus saying, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… all things were made through Him, and… in Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” John 1:1-5 (NKJ). Then 3 times (twice directly and once indirectly), Jesus Himself says “I am the light of the world.” (See John 8:12; 9:5; and12:35.)
If you are familiar with Jesus as the like of Your world, thank Him for that today and ask that He make Himself known to others by shining His light on them.
Prayer of Supplication: Lord, shine through me.
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©2012 Sharon Norris Elliott. Feel free to forward this devotion in its entirety, including this copyright line. Leave comments, ask questions, read past devotions, or subscribe to receive these devotions daily in your e-mail at www.sanewriter.wordpress.com. Also, periodically check in at www.LifeThatMatters.net to see what’s going on in the ministry.
And pick up a copy of Sharon’s new book, Power Suit: The Armor of God Fit for the Feminine Frame, available at Christian bookstores, online, from New Hope Publishers, and from the Life That Matters Ministries’ website.
