Readings
Psalm 119:105-112, Isaiah 9:2-3, Mathew 5:13-16 and 1 John 1:1-10
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete. This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:1-7
Reflection
Many years ago I paid a price for not looking in the shoe cabinet too closely when getting a pair of shoes out and spent the rest of the days with my right foot crossed behind my leg. The reason; one black shoe and one dark blue. Similar styles are indistinguishable in the dark. I dared not bring it to people’s attention.
Having light to live by is important when you have places to go. God knew hispeople needed light to live by. The law was a light for the people - ’a lamp to their feet and a light for their path’ (Psalm 119:105) and Israel needed an even greater light, as they stumbled through history to live out God’s purposes for them as nation. Even the illumination of Moses’ law became dim. Despite the best efforts of prophets and priests they struggled being the people of God. The light was also for the Gentiles—the incessant light of the love of God is indiscriminate—God’s intention was clear; the covenant relationship with Him was to be harmonised—all can be brought into a relationship with him—all brought into light.
Prayers
Jesus, I long for your coming. The promise of new light and life is before me, give me the faith to believe in your presence this day. Give me the promise and assurance of salvation with no more shame, only the light and saving grace of your love. May your peace come to my life and may it be evident in my relationships and daily living. Amen
1 comment:
I used to be the cleaner at Main Street, and worked through one summer, and Autumn, making everything as bright and beautiful as I could. Then one day, lots of places were suddenly much dirtier! "Who has caused this?" I asked. and then I realised that I now needed the lights on, and they showed be places that had been hidden in the gathering gloom. I had a choice, put the light off, and hide the problems away, or work in the new light I had, and make things even better for Him.
Sue
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