Many people do not know that LED is an acronym for - light emitting
diode. These diodes, pictured here, are the latest and greatest in energy
efficient lighting. We too are called to
shine as lights in this world as found in 2 Corinthians 4:4-6, “…The god of this world has
blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the
gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is
not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as servants for His
sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has put His
brightness in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge and of the glory of
God in the face of Jesus Christ.” ESV
All lights need a power source and being a
light of God is no different. But our
source cannot be ourselves or anything this world has to offer. We may get some
output but it is not a light that will last and, in this verse we learn, it
could actually blind people from seeing God.
Just like an LED has 2 pins to receive power,
we have two sources of power we need before we can shine the light of God. Spirit
& Truth.
The Truth is found in Jesus and He is the Word made
flesh and He is the light we carry. 1 John 1:5-7 reads, “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 speak lies and do not live in the truth. But
if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, then we have fellowship with
one another, and the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin.” ESV
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“For it is you who light my lamp; t
he Lord my God
lightens my darkness.”
Psalm 18:28
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“When Jesus spoke
again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me
will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 ESV
The Spirit lives
within us for those who believe. He is our counselor and guide. The Spirit speaks to our spirit. Proverbs 20:27 reads, “The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord,
searching all his innermost parts.” ESV
The author, in his
letters to Peter, wrote these affirming words about the connection of Spirit to
light:
“You yourselves like living stones are being built
up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. … But you are a chosen race, a royal
priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may
proclaim the excellency of him who called you out of darkness into his
marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:5-9 ESV
“And we have something more sure, the prophetic
word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a
dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” 2
Peter 1:19 ESV
When I was young, my family attended a Methodist church where I served as an Acolyte. (ac·o·lyte). The definition of this position is 1. A person who assists the celebrant in the performance of liturgical rites. 2. A devoted follower or attendant. As an Acolyte, we started the service by bringing in flames on a candle lighter wick, lit the candles on the communion table, and carried the light out at the end of the service.
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| 5th Graders Are Invited to Become Acolytes |
We also set up the communion table, made sure the pews were clean and clear for each service, brought in the American and Christian flags, and helped the pastor with anything else he needed during the services.
and carried the light out at the end of the
service. We also set up the communion
table, made sure the pews were clean and clear for each service, brought in the
American and Christian flags, and helped the pastor with anything else he needed
during the services.
In November 2007 I was back at this same
church, First United Methodist, Bakersfield, where my dad attends and leads a
Sunday School class. In the foyer was a monthly newsletter I picked up as dad
was talking to some friends. Inside was a call for children to be trained as an
Acolyte. It was a delight to see that
the church was still offering this amazing position for children to be a part
of the worship services. For me, it helped me see how we are all there for
worship, and the sanctuary is a sacred place.
Then Jesus told them
“…Believe in the light while you have the light,
so that you may become children of light.”
John 12:37
In
the newsletter they told of the symbolism of the light coming in and the light
going out. When the Acolytes bring the
light in it is the light of Jesus coming into the presence of worshippers. When they go back to the altar, take the
light from the candles to the wick on their candle lighters, they put the light on the candles out, and walk up the center aisle carrying
the light outside. This symbolizes that Jesus is for everyone, everywhere and we
all carry the light into the world.
These children are good examples for our daily lives. Adopting the servanthood position of the Acolytes we hold within us and bring with us the light of Jesus as we go into the world. We are now energy efficient L.E.D’s. Lights Eliminating Darkness powered by the Truth and the Spirit.
A Benediction Encouragement
“May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make
His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His
countenance upon you and give you peace. “That you may be blameless and
innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted
generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. In the same way, let your light shine before
others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Numbers 6:24-26 & Philippians 2:15 & Matthew
5:16 ESV
Click here to see and hear a very snappy version of
“This little light of Mine” https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=r1dbovFrZz4
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