Darkness and light

Isaiah 58 spells out what it looks like to walk in darkness:-

• separate from God
• it seems like God can’t hear
• your hands are stained with guilt
• your lips speak lies and evil things
• no justice, no integrity
• you rely on empty arguments
• you’re quick to resort to violence
• no peace, no justice
• no righteousness
• darkness and deep shadows – just like being blind
• no deliverance
• rebellion and treachery, revolt and oppression
• truth is nowhere to be found

The Lord looked and was displeased
that there was no justice.
He saw that there was no one,
he was appalled that there was no one to intervene;
so his own arm achieved salvation for him,
and his own righteousness sustained him.
He put on righteousness as his breastplate,
and the helmet of salvation on his head;
he put on the garments of vengeance
and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.  Isaiah 59:15-17

This is the universal story of sin and salvation, played out in the story of the people of God and played out in the lives of each one of us too.

And because of this salvation, we are called to arise. We are called to shine. We are called to radiate joy.

Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.  Isaiah 60:1

Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.  Isaiah 60:3

Then you will look and be radiant,
your heart will throb and swell with joy.  Isaiah 60:5

Then everyone will know the one true God.

Everyone will come to worship.

Everyone will recognise the God of Israel.

The Lord will be your everlasting light.  Isaiah 60:20

In what ways are our lives shining bright?

In what ways are our lives drawing people to the light of God?

In what ways are our lives radiating joy?

When we do our job to the best of our abilities, our light shines.

When we do not retaliate when we are attacked, our light shines.

When we give our all to the task before us, our light shines.

When we respond with love, our light shines.

When we tell the truth, our light shines.

When we value everyone as God values them, our light shines.

When we are kind, even to those who are not kind to us, our light shines.

When we live by God’s values and not the world’s, our light shines.

When we genuinely want the best for someone else, our light shines. 

When we keep our word, our light shines.

When we build community, our light shines.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:16