CYPRESSWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST Return to 2010 Bulletins
January 31, 2010
25424 Aldine-Westfield, Spring, TX. 77373
www.blakehart.com/cypresswoodbulletin.htm
PRAISE AND PETITIONS:
God’s will for our congregation Those struggling in these tough economic times
Various friends, relatives and co-workers Our nation, leaders and military
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO: Grace Cru thirds (7th), Margaret Wiesner (7th), Bryce Mearns 16th), Joe Reynolds (23rd), Gayla Landrum (28th)
THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
“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).
We all know the importance of light. When the hurricane knocked out the electricity for ten days, we had to use flashlights in the early evening to see. Moonlit nights are enjoyable. One can see quite clearly. If you have ever seen a moonlit night with snow on the ground, it is very impressive. On the other hand, moonless nights can be eerie . In scripture, light is used in a number of ways, both literally and metaphorically.
In the beginning God created light. The first was light to separate darkness. The second was the sun, moon and stars. Space exploration has determined that there are millions of suns throughout the universe. Light played an important part in Israel’s identity. We see God leading Israel in the wilderness at night with a pillar of fire. Light played a role in the worship of Israel, both in the tabernacle and the Temple. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105) is a metaphorical use of light. How is the word of God a light?
We see light used in various ways in the New Testament. A light covered Saul of Tarsus on the Damascus Road, and later as Paul recount this experience, light is emphasized. The Magi followed a star (Matthew 2) and an angel and the heavenly host appeared to the shepherds at night lighting up the sky (Luke 2). These are a few of the occurrences. Most however are metaphorically. We are to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16). Our light is to shine in the darkness. We are to walk in the light as Jesus is in the light (1 John 1:7). How are we to do this?
Light and darkness are often contrasted. In John’s prologue, we read that when Jesus, the Word, came into the world as the light, the darkness tried to overcome it like darkness attempts to overcome us until we turn on a flashlight (John 1). This contrast is seen vividly at the cross when the day turned to darkness at noon. The resurrection is seen in the morning as a new day dawns, a new light begins. Evil deeds are often seen being done in darkness. The thief comes in the dark. Night or darkness is often related to sin. When Judas took the piece of bread from Jesus, Jesus said to him to do what he was going to do quickly. Judas went out “and it was night” (John 13:30).
In Israel, most people walked during the day. Many stopped before dark because of the problems of walking at night. Israel is a rocky place. Getting off the path is very dangerous. Tripping over rocks would be an almost sure thing (John 12:35-36). Metaphorically, during the day we can see where we are going but at night one can easily get lost. With are modern use of lights, night becomes a little easier to handle. There is still a fear in the night. Walking in a parking lot can still be dangerous. Driving with headlights and street lights has made it easier at night, yet as we grow older, it becomes more difficult as distortions play a role. Even on the interstates at night, while there is much less traffic, a dark, moonless night has its own problems.
Jesus has brought light into the world but what does that mean? Sin is darkness and salvation is light. As such, we no longer walk in the darkness of sin but the light of eternal life. The dark will attempt to overcome the light and so there is a constant struggle as we walk with the Lord. When reading through the New Testament, one sees this struggle as various writers challenge God’s people to give up worldly ways. How we speak and how we live are important and are often look at as light.
We are to be lights to the world, that is, we are to present Jesus Christ living in us, piercing the darkness of sin found in others so that they can see the light. We hear the phrase, the light at the end of the tunnel. We are such lights that point people to the true Light of life. Traveling at night has its lessons. Driving in West Texas at night highlights some interesting things. There are lights seen in the distance that makes one wonder what is out there, for during the day one doesn’t see much of anything. Taking U.S. 84 north out of Staton, Texas and on toward Lubbock, one sees the lights of Lubbock though one is still fifteen miles away. Flying at night likewise offers views of places that might not be seen during the day. Light shines in darkness to lead us to the light of life.
The last use of light in scripture is found in Revelation. The contrast is between the darkness of war and evil and the light of the presence of God. In the end the Light wins and a new city is given, the new Jerusalem. In that city, there will be no need for the sun or moon for God is the light of that city. What we see is an eternal brightness that benefits all of us in the new heavens and new earth.
When reading through scripture, look for the various uses of light. See how the physical creation can be used metaphorically for another meaning of light. Look for the contrasts between light and darkness. See how we can be lights to the world in speech and action.
George B. Mearns