Weekend Words

From Our Daily Bread Classic Gems...

The Light of the World. 

Read: John 9:1-5, Matthew 5:13-16

"You are the light of the world" - Matthew 5:14

Jesus said: "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world" (John 9:5).  But what happened to the light when he ascended to heaven?

Before He physically left this earth, Jesus gave the answer.  He told His followers: "You are the light of the world ... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14, 16).

As we combine the truths of these two statements, we understand that even though Jesus has left this earth, His light continues to shine through his followers.  The people of the world are not able to see Christ since He ascended to heaven.  Instead, we who have put our faith in Him have the responsibility to reflect His light.  If we do not shine, the world will not know about Him.

Let us remember, it is not quite the entire truth when we sing: "The light of the world is Jesus."  It might be better to say, "The light of the world was Jesus."  Today, you and I are to be the light of the world, reflecting His light in a dark and sin-sick place where people wander aimlessly.  Unless you and I tell these wandering ones about Him, they will never know Him and experience the forgiveness of sin.

How bright are you shining?

Reflect and Pray:

Is your life a channel of blessing?

Is the love of God flowing through you?

Are you telling the lost of the Savior?

Are you ready His service to do? - Smyth

An effective witness not only knows his faith but shows his faith.

- M. R. DeHaan

Almost Doesn't Count.

Read: Acts 26:19-32

"Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." - Acts 26:28

Some years ago on the way to India, we had just a few minutes to make one connection.  We almost made it in time, which means we missed the plane.  A young man who applied for a well-paying job said later, "I almost got the job," which means he did not get it.  Perhaps you went to a wedding and you almost made it before starting time, but that means you were late for the service.  The list goes on.

When Paul spoke before King Agrippa, he asked a probing question: "King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets?  I know that thou believest."  The king was moved and said, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian."  But a response of "almost" is not enough.  There is no record that Agrippa ever believed in Jesus.

What about us?  How many times has the Spirit of God spoken to us about something we should do, and we almost heeded His bidding?  But the fact is that almost doesn't count.  Maybe the Spirit told us to make a confession to our brother or sister, but we decided not now, so it never happened.  One young man in an evangelistic service decided that tomorrow night he would respond to the invitation.  But tomorrow night never came; he was killed in a car accident the next day.  The young man almost got right with the Lord.

Maybe you are not a Christian, and the Spirit of God has been speaking to you.  Maybe you have almost given your heart to the Lord on several occasions.  Remember, almost doesn't count.  "To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts" (Hebrews 4:7).

Almost will not be enough on Judgement Day.

- Cleason Martin - Mine Centre, ON