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HOW MUCH LIGHT DO YOU CARRY?

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • Dec 12, 2024
  • 4 min read

Today’s Reading:

Isaiah 42:1-9 (6-7)

“I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you, and I will give you to my people Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them. And you will be a light to guide the nations. You will open the eyes of the blind, you will free the captives from prison, releasing them who sit in dark dungeons.” (vv. 6-7 NLT)

Initially, the nation of Israel was called the servant because she was given a mission to serve God, to be custodian of the word, and to be a light to the Gentile nations.  But because of sin and rebellion, they failed.  And so, God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ as Messiah to fulfil this mission, this time, also to the whole world. Verses 1 to 4 of today’s reading shows the character of Jesus, the chosen servant as being gentle, encouraging, of justice, and of truth.  This is to show us that in our spiritual journey when we feel broken and hurt or burned out, God does not trample on us or cast us aside as being useless, but He will gently pick us up, renew our strength and encourage us to forge ahead. The same character of God is greatly needed in our world today.  When we surrender to our Lord Jesus Christ, and He in turn gives us His Holy Spirit, we are able to exhibit the same sensitive habits to people around us, reflecting the goodness, lovingkindness and truthfulness of God to them.


In verse 8, Prophet Isaiah’s reflection is focused on those who out of a moment of fearful desperation in their personal pursuits, turn to idols to do things God frowns at (Prov. 6).  In life, fame, material things, worldly pleasures or influential people promise to be the way to a happier life or a secure future; God wants us to realise that He alone is the Lord, God Almighty. No one else can have the believer’s devotion, except God.  We represent God’s name; He is the reason for our living. He is the source of our strength, and should be the object of our worship; there should be no other. We must never bow to other gods or authority. As Christians, we are not only to learn the truth about God for ourselves, we are also to reflect the light of God. We are meant to be a channel of God’s light to the world. A good example is seen in the light of the sun and the moon. The sun originates radiant light, whereas the moon only reflects the light of the sun. As the light of God to all nations, let us not forget that our mission is to open the eyes of the blind. Some of whom are our neighbours, and many, we have never met before.


Part of Jesus’ mission here on earth is to portray the righteousness of God and to be a light to the Gentiles and all nations of the earth. Through Jesus, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are able to share in the mission of Christ.  As believers, we are called to be servants of our Master Jesus, and to exhibit the righteousness of God shining his light.  And so, it is a privilege to assist our Saviour and Redeemer fulfil His commission on earth.  But before we can manifest and shine on others (Mat. 5:16; 2Corin. 4:6), we must first seek God’s righteousness and let His light shine in us (Mat. 6:33). As our light goes forth to the nations, we should be careful not to assume the glory of the applause of the success to ourselves, as this would be tantamount to pride and taking the glory due to God. Pride is the challenge of most of the people chosen and used by God. They assume they have success by their own wisdom and effort. All glory for a successful ministry should be assigned to God.

                                                            OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE



To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness.


Thank you, Lord.”  If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet with the resident reverend, pastor or priest.



Prayer:

  1. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leads Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubim, shine forth, and we will be saved.

  2. Father, thank you for the light of the Gospel in Christ Jesus.

  3. Thank you, Lord, for giving me the resources I need to overcome the wiles of the enemy, in Jesus’ name.

  4. In the midst of my challenges and the turmoil of the world around me, give me a sound mind and good health to focus my gaze on the risen Christ, in Jesus’ name.

  5. Lord, repair and strengthen my prayer altar, in Jesus’ name.

  6. Lord, create in me a clean heart, renew a right, humble and teachable spirit within me, in Jesus’ name.

  7. Lord, make me more sensitive and responsive to the leading of Your Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ name.

  8. Lord, make me a positive influence to the world around me and not to be influenced negatively by the world systems, in Jesus’ name.

  9. Lord visit those in darkness, the core of wickedness and evil with Your mercy and your power to deliver; rescue the perishing, visit police detention units, the prison, and care for the dying, in Jesus’ name.

  10. Lord, rescue our nation and people from the grip of evil, wicked and insensitive leaders, console those hurting, heal the wounds of your people; let there be peace and comfort, in Jesus’ name.

 
 
 

תגובות

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