The Light and Hope

In these crazy times it helps to remember this: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5 ESV

I read this scripture this morning as I was praying for this world and lamenting over all of the pain in it. I had been thinking, “Wow, if I see the little that I do and feel it this much, how must God feel?” He sees all the sin committed in the whole world! He sees all the pain it causes and hears all those who cry out because of it. But then the thought came, he also sees all of the good done in the world. He sees the ones who love others in word and deed. He sees the  husband and wife who adopt the orphan. He sees the man who makes it his life’s mission to rescue victims of human trafficking. He sees the person who smiles at everyone they meet just to bring a little joy to another’s day. Yes, he sees the evil and he will judge it. But, he also sees the good and will reward it. 

So, as these chaotic times tempt us to despair he sends us a reminder to not give up in doing good. He reminds us that he sees all and will restore everything to order in time. Lets’s continue to seek the good of the cities and communities we live in, continue to pray, and continue to be people of peace.

Yours in hope,

Angela

Jesus?

We are still so unlike Jesus. The majority of people in his day thought he came to conquer those in power and take his kingdom by force. They thought they would be vindicated and secure in their earthly kingdom. Isn’t that still what we want, vindication and security? But he didn’t come for this. 

Instead of condemning others to the sword or judgement, he suffered and died for us all. His mission was to bring heaven to earth, to begin to set everything aright again. He spent his whole life teaching humanity how to love God and their neighbor so this could be accomplished.

Jesus gave up his kingly rights. He did not defend himself when accused of wrong doing. He came to bring peace to people’s hearts.

We are slow learners much of the time. We clamor for our rights to be fulfilled. We take offense when we are accused of wrong doing. With these weapons we unwittingly assist the Enemy by fueling the fire of disunity in people’s hearts.

I am ashamed at how little we, his disciples, look like him. We are to be the lights in the world to dispel darkness. We are not called to hide, but to shine brightly for His glory. We are to be the salt for seasoning and preservation. We, his children, are to point others to him and to work diligently toward reconciliation.

Lord, I repent for hiding my light from this world and adding to the darkness. Cleanse my heart so that I will love as you love and bring healing to this hurting generation. Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.

Yours in hope,

Angela