Torch bearers

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.””
‭‭John‬ ‭8:12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Torch bearers

Intercessory prayer can be very draining at times, due to the heart of empathy that one develops. As I pray, I begin understand the circumstances of those I am lifting up, and can emphasize with the conditions that they may face. This is especially true when I encounter someone trapped in the darkness I used to know, and experiencing the same troubles and struggles from which the Lord has made me free.

My heart cries out for them, and I have periodically sought to counsel people, but I have often learned that people can only be helped when they are willing to be helped. There is a necessity to let go of the sin or stronghold that has carried them away captive.

I struggle at times, in those moments, feeling frustrated, wondering why they don’t just give it to the Lord.

Then I remember the seductive draw of darkness, as it woos us from within our most inward parts, resonating with the dark places that have not been illuminated by the light of Christ.

I am thankful that Jesus came to bring that light, shining, into the deep darkness. As I have followed Him, I have enjoyed the brightness growing in me. I am one drawn to the dark side, as I am one bound by a spirit of melancholia.

““The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”
Matthew 6:22-23 NKJV

When I am in that dark place, I am vulnerable to all the old struggles that I would normally have victory over. Sins long surrendered and placed in the grave of the old man, are dug up, rotting and smelly, and put on display.

I find that I often have a dark attitude, given over to negative thinking and grumbling. I have had many an evening spent on the dark side. I go to bed with a sense that I have wasted precious time I could have been spending with the Lord.

I would have to say that this evening replication of my morning devotional, has brought much light into my heart. I put on worship music, look at Scripture and begin to reflect.

Through this late time with the Lord, my eyes are good and full of light. The Lord has brought about more maturity in just the few weeks that I have done this.

““You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV

As followers of Jesus, having been saved by His shed blood on the cross, we have become His light bearers, His representative here on earth, left to take His light to the world. It is a mission that we must take seriously, as we are His ambassadors in an increasingly dark world.

The evil one is shining what light he can to draw the lost like moths to a flame, where they are burned and destroyed. May our light be brighter, as it is the only one that gives life eternal, and truly illuminates the darkness.

Brothers and sisters, let us be torch bearers, lighting the way to faith in Jesus, even as the darkness overcomes the world. As I sit here in my living room, I can see my automatic lights on the outside of my house turn on. Brothers and sisters, let us be like those lights. When it becomes just so dark, the sensors tell the bulbs to turn on.

Pray that the Lord give us sensors, so that when our world becomes just so dark and sin filled, our lights turn on and we go and tell of the Lord Jesus, who brought the Light of Salvation into the world.

Light em’ up my people, light em’ up!

https://www.allaboutgod.com/the-roman-road.htm