THE STREET LAMP

By George Jesze, 28th August 2015

“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, which is in heaven”

Matthew 5,14 King James Version

One morning as I looked out of my office I saw a street lamp. It was sticking out of a weeping willow tree. This was nothing unusual, except that it was a bright day and the light was still on. Something had gone wrong with the mechanism and it had not switched itself off. The lamp was standing there majestically upright, silently shining but its light did not have any influence, because the daylight was even brighter. The street lamp was not functioning for its original purpose, for it was created to give light when the natural light dims and darkness has set in.

A few days before we had had a storm. There was thunder and lightning and heavy rain had run down our street. During that time this very lamp was shining, but after an especially big flash of lightning the power was cut off. We soon noticed how dark the street had become. How ironic that when the light was needed it was not available, and now it was shining on this bright day.

With all the spiritual darkness and many other negative things invading this world, we as Christians have a wonderful chance to let our light shine. The greater the darkness, the greater the light. Even a small light can drive the darkness away. Do not be discouraged about the size of your light or area of influence for the Lord. Begin to shine! Do not force it, do not get all worked up about shining but just BE a light for the Lord. When you get plugged into the ‘mains’, the power supply of his Word and love, you cannot help but shine, releasing what is in your heart.

If there should be a time when it is not so dark because of the Christians there or because you have had such a good influence already, rejoice about this and praise the Lord that even on a bright day your light is shining and someone will see it and be glad for it. Let your words and works be the light that points people to the Source – JESUS!

A street lamp stays in one place and cannot move. Shine where the Lord has set you. The planner knows where the street lamp can be used most effectively. Trust Jesus that he knows where you can be used most for him!

There are many places in the world which are economically and spiritually dark, but with God’s help let us light a lamp there, ­­ ​no, not just a lamp but a ​blazing beacon to bring hope, warmth, direction and comfort to people who need it. Your interest, prayers, practical help and financial gifts sent and directed where God shows you, can light somebody’s darkness TODAY!

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help me to shine for you today! Let me be a carrier of your light in every dark place. You are the Light of the World – shine also into my heart and mind in a new way. Penetrate any darkness or negative thought which still lurks there, that I might become that blazing beacon, giving light, warmth, comfort and direction in a world which is often cold and dark, and has lost its way.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen