By Fred Jeffery
Do you ever feel that you want to talk to someone whom you think is a friend and one who may understand you? I am blessed in that my friend is only a phone call away and he always has time for me. Sometimes it’s not always that way for others that you may reach out to and they are just too busy to listen or worse still, they just don’t care enough to listen. They may ask questions about your family and go through the list but somehow the light of God just doesn’t come through their conversation. You were hoping you could share from your heart but then it was time up and they had to move on. You are not alone in your experiences.
In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus said that in Him you are the light of the world. He compared this light of the world to a town built on a hill that cannot be hidden. It’s there for all to see. The Psalmist David said: “I will lift up my eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. (Psalm 121:1) He declared also “The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear?” Psalm 27:1 The light shines through the darkness; we need never to feel afraid. It’s there like that town built on a hill for all to see.
Recently I was so troubled over the rift that divided our County-the threatened closure of Northern Pulp versus the protection of the environment with the two sides that seemed so far apart. How could there not be compromise so that this divide could be crossed? I asked the Pictou County Council of Churches to pray for reconciliation. The head of our Council, Rev. Donna Tourner issued a beautiful prayer that could be put in all our church bulletins. I was truly touched by her efforts to help bring the sides together.
Our own Salvation Army officer, Major Dan Roode also prayed for God’s light to shine through and to bring us together. Many others have also prayed for the families so affected and are reaching out to show their loving care. Jesus said we are the light of the world, so we must shine through the gloom and despair as never before and reassure people that they need not be afraid. Our God is still in control and loves us all deeply. The words of this chorus reminds me that we need come to the Saviour for help:
“Ask the Saviour to help you, comfort, strengthen and keep you.
He is willing to aid you; He will carry you through.”
When the light of God breaks through in our lives, it is not about power, but love. It is not about personal adultation, but caring for others. It is not about propping up bullies but tending to the wounds of those who are bullied. It is not about showing favoritism to the wealthy and well connected, but to the poor and disadvantaged. It is about our obligation to care for the sick and needy, the lonely and the discouraged. We, the light of Jesus to the world are about welcoming the stranger. Jesus said: “Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
One of the practical ways that children can be welcoming and loving is practised in New Glasgow Academy every morning and I have seen this being very effective as a substitute teacher. As the children arrive in the morning to their classroom door, they are met by a fellow student previously selected by their teacher to welcome the incoming student by a personal greeting or giving them a “high five.” or a little dance. This definitely started their day off to a good start. So as not to show favoritism, every student gets their turn to be a greeter. Those arriving have their choice in how they want to be greeted.
What’s it like for you when the Light of the Lord breaks through in your life? Perhaps this has not yet happened to you. Maybe you are afraid to commit. Perhaps you feel no one really cares enough for you to be shown the way to salvation. Why not examine what Jesus really meant when He offers this light to all the world. It begins by acknowledging him as supreme in your life, believing in your heart by asking for the forgiveness of sins and accepting him as your Lord and Saviour. Romans 5:8: “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Eternity is too long to get it wrong.
Written by Fred Jeffery, retired Principal and a member of The Salvation Army
