CONNECTING POINT: Are the Lights On?

I appreciate living in the modern age as an American, we have so many connivances and advancements in technology including electricity, lights, heating, cooling, running water and sewer, transportation, internet services, and so much more. Others are less fortunate around the world, so we should keep this in mind.

Many incorrectly assume Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. While it is true that in 1878, Thomas Edison first patented the incandescent lightbulb to become commercially available, the invention of the lightbulb belongs to Humphry Davy in 1802.

Have you ever gone without power, specifically electric light, for an extended period? Most of us haven’t, other than a few power glitches or short power outings. Then, of course, we could either turn to battery-operated light or even candlelight. I think light is extremely valuable, especially so I don’t stub my toe in the middle of the night, making those wall outlet low-light plug-ins indispensable.

The Bible uses the word " light " at least 530 times. Light is a major theme in the Gospel of John, used 30 times. Jesus simplistically uses the term as recorded in Luke 8:16-18. “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Therefore, consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.”

Jesus states that if a person becomes one of His dedicated followers, they won’t hide their faith. Those who His grace has changed will share the same Good News with all.

Just as light has certain properties, so does Jesus' message. One: light must be utilized to be effective. We generally don’t enter a dark place with a light and then shut it off if we’re trying to find something. Doing so would be counterintuitive. To Christ’s point, if we are to be receptive to His grace and mercy, we continually practice His principles daily. A.W. Tozer said, “Go to church once a week and nobody pays attention. Worship God seven days a week and you become strange.” The connotation of “strange” is to live differently because sinful desires become less of a driving force in our life; we then take on the attributes of Christ and strive to live selflessly.

Two: light is reflective. Salvation is something to be shared with others, as Christ followers we are to reflect His image. Our purpose is to always point people back to Jesus because He’s the One who turned on the light in us. Matthew similarly says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven,” (Matthew 5:14-16).

Here’s a question that only you can answer, “Are the lights on?” Keeping in mind the context of Luke there is a direct tie-back to the Parable of the Sower or Soils. Are you receptive to Jesus and His teachings? If so then the light is on, if not you are still lost in the dark spiritually.