March 6, 2004

THE LIGHT GIVER

"Therefore it is said, 'Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light' " (Ephesians 5:14, RSV).

On Liberty Island in New York harbor, stands the towering Statue of Liberty. In her uplifted right hand, a massive torch lighted by mercury vapor lamps, guides ships to safety at night. What this giant statue is to New York harbor, Christ, the great light giver, is to our planet. He once declared, "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself" (John 12:32, NIV). With such a light, our entrance into life's harbor is safe.

Christ our Saviour is the origin of light whether it is literal, spiritual, or intellectual. Apart from Him, there is no light. By His creative power, he commanded, "Let there be light: and there was light" (Gen. 1:3). Christ is not only the origin of light, He is also the giver of light. His express reason for coming to our planet was to dispel the darkness of sin and death by His saving light (see Matthew 4:16; Ephesians 5:8). In this role, He is identified as "a light to the nations" (Isaiah 49:6, RSV).

The apostle Paul portrays Christ repeatedly as the light giver. To those who slumber in darkness, he urged, "Awake... and Christ shall give you light" (Ephesians 5:14,). People need only to turn on the switch of God's powerhouse. The power is in full supply. Here is an inspired reminder of our Lord's readiness to infuse us with His light: "He who commanded the light to shine out of darkness is willing and longing to shine in every heart, to give each one the light of the knowledge of His glory in the face of Jesus Christ."--Review and Herald, October 25, 1898.

My Prayer Today: Lord, illuminate my path today in my pilgrimage to Your heavenly home. Amen.