Shine Your Light Over Here!
(By: Dan Parker, Deer Park, TX)
Matthew 5:14-16 - 14 "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven". (NIV)
The story is told of a man who was killed one night at a railroad crossing. His relatives sued the railroad, claiming negligence on the part of the watchman. During the ensuing trial the watchman was called to the witness stand for questioning. The prosecuting attorney asked him several questions concerning his activities on that night. "Were you on duty at the crossing at the time of the accident?" "Yes, I was on duty", replied the watchman. "Did you have a lantern?" The answer came back, "Yes." "Did you wave your lantern to warn people that the train was coming?" Again the watchman said, "Yes, I did."
The watchman's testimony helped the railroad win the case. After the trial was over an officer of the railroad came to see the watchman to thank him for his conscientious service at the crossing and for giving evidence that helped the company win the lawsuit. He said, "Tell me, Mr. Jameson, did you get nervous during the questioning at the trial?" The watchman said, "Yes sir, I was afraid that attorney was going to ask me if my lantern was lit!"
It was a lantern that put forth no light! Of what benefit was the unlit lantern to the one who needed to see it? In the same way, Christian brother and sister, your light must shine before men so that they will benefit from it. Jesus says you are the light of the world! His commandment is that we let our light shine among men. If we fail to do that, the world will remain in darkness -- lost! Do you have a lamp? Is it lit?? Now, don't hide it -- better yet, shine it over here. I need some light!
Luke 12:35-36 - 35 "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36 like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him."
Keep the faith and your light shining!! - joe
