Burning and Shining

Daily Reading: John 5

He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. (John 5.35)

Devotional Thought: I love the story of the man healed by the Pool of Bethesda in John 5.  Jesus comes in our helplessness and brings hope and healing!  My question is, am I bringing hope and healing by shining my light on Jesus?    That's how Jesus described John the Baptist.  He called John "a burning and shining lamp."

We need to ask ourselves if we are lamps that are burning and shining.  What do people know about Jesus from the light that shines from my life?  Do they know that he is forgiving?  Do they know that he loves them?  Do they know the kindness and patience of God?  Do they know that God is holy and morally pure?  Do they know that he is not willing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance?  Do they know that he is worthy of my praise and my trust?

Jesus also indicated that people “chose for a time to enjoy his light.”  There is good news and bad news in that phrase.  First the good news: there are people who will choose to benefit from the light that you shed on God’s character.  They will find hope and peace and joy and love in Jesus!  But among them are people who – after a time – will choose to turn away from the light of your life and even turn against you.  Know that this will happen, and determine right now that you won’t let your light go out!  No matter what others do, you will keep the fire burning in your soul!

All around you are crippled and helpless people.  They need Jesus.  Are you a burning and shining lamp? 

Prayer: "This little light of mine... I'm gonna let it shine..."  Lord, help me today - wherever I go and to whomever I meet - to be a burning and shining lamp of your love.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 34.8-14

8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

9 Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!

10 The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

11 Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

12 What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?

13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.

14 Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.