Carry the Light

 

~~~ Ezra 1:1-6 ~~~ Psalm 126 ~~~ Luke 8:16-18 ~~~

 

King Cyrus was given the task of building the temple in Jerusalem.

For the Jewish people this temple was the light on the hill.

There is always something reassuring

when light breaks through the darkness.

 

Darkness often makes us feel uneasy and apprehensive.

After a storm when the power may go out for days it is the darkness

of night that seems most haunting.

Flashlights and candles can only give light to where they are located.

If you leave one room you must carry the light with you.

 

There would be nothing rational about hiding a light.

The whole purpose of the light is to enable us to see in the dark.

 

Because of the position of the city of Jerusalem the lights

of the city could be seen in the distance.

It gave the people a sense of direction...a sense of hope.

 

Jerusalem was set apart as a holy city for all to come

and participate in its building up in any way they were able.

 

Jesus said to the crowd:
“No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel
or sets it under a bed;
rather, he places it on a lampstand
so that those who enter may see the light.
For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible,
and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.
Take care, then, how you hear.
To anyone who has, more will be given,
and from the one who has not,
even what he seems to have will be taken away.”

Today we need the light to guide us in the right direction.

We are traveling on a path that is much like an obstacle course at times.

You have a much greater chance of completing

 an obstacle course in the light than in the darkness.

 

In the darkness you cannot plan your strategy.

In the darkness you are surprised.

In the darkness you can loose your balance and fall in the pit.

 

In the light you are able to carefully plant your foot on stable ground.

In the light you are less likely to be surprised...

less likely to fall off the path...less likely to be

caught off guard and attacked.

 

In the light we can see more clearly.

We are called to be the light in our world today.

We live in a world plagued with relentless darkness...

from the family breakdown to social issues

 and violence in our neighborhoods.

 

Blessings come in having the courage to be the light

 for those who fear the darkness.