Candle in the Dark

The Darkness seems to caste its shadow across the world. People are terrified of what is to come. We however, are not to despair, but to be a light unto all nations (Isaiah 49:6). As the Darkness increases, let us shine all the more brightly, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16). These good works are not to gain heaven or salvation, but are the seeds of faith we plant, the good we do in God's name to share His love, and transformative power with others. Jesus said, "You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (Matthew 5:14-15). Christ prior to these words urges us to be salt as well, "You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless." (Matthew 5:13). We must not let our light go out or lose our saltiness. This can be particularly hard for those in persecuted countries, where a mere sign or song about Christ will have them placed in prison. We are urged as Christians to keep shining, to not hide Jesus, or else then the light goes out.

In Asia the Faith is spreading like wildfire. Under persecution, Christ's Church is growing like fields of wheat, every scythe the enemies of God use to cut it down, ends up only planting more seed and creating a bigger harvest! Let us not despair of persecution, but thank God for it, "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18). For by persecution the Gospel of Peace is being preached loudly, the light is burning brighter, and the salt is covering the earth! While we do not dismiss the hardships and sufferings of our brothers and sisters in Christ, we seek to encourage them, "Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it," (Philippians 1:27-30), and, "This means that God's holy people must endure persecution patiently, obeying his commands and maintaining their faith in Jesus." (Revelation 14:12). Do not despair, but rejoice that you have the privilege of suffering for Him (Philippians 1:29), and hold fast to your faith in Jesus Christ in dark times; for He shall get you through every trial (John 16:33).

In these hard times remember that every seed of faith (trust in God) you plant will not return empty, "so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it," (Isaiah 55:11), and, "Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching."(2 Timothy 4:2). For as persecution and hatred of us Christians increases, the more shall be saved and the sooner Jesus Christ will return. Do not let your light go out, but instead let the wick of your heart and soul rest in fire of Christ so that it may continually receive strength to endure to the end (Matthew 24:13) and be a light to those who are lost in dark. Let us draw those stumbling in the shadows to the Savior through our good deeds (Matthew 5:13-15, James 4:14-27), and through sharing the Gospel. Amen.