Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of the Light of the World. Although Father, Shepherd, and Refuge are perhaps my favorite names for God, I really like the thread in the gospel of John about Jesus as the Light. By my quick count, I believe there are 20 such references throughout the book.
He is the “Light of men” (1:4). He is a light that gives life. Only a divine Being could provide such life-giving life to those who so desperately need it.
He is the “Light [that] shineth in darkness” (1:5), so brightly that the darkness of this world cannot envelop or hide Him. Jesus and His message cannot be snuffed out but will continue to shine and spread. No evil is too vile or too dark for Him to overcome.
He is the universal “Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (1:9). This is part of the hope you can have as you share the gospel, that there is something in every man that has been influenced by God and that gives a foothold for greater understanding and revelation.
Although some reject the Light, out of their love for evil, God gives the opportunity for all men to come to the Light that makes all the difference in the world (3:19-21). Anyone can come, and when someone does come, everything changes.
This Light illumines our path, so that we do not need to walk in the ignorance or despair of darkness, but we have the Light that gives life (8:12). What a wonder this must be for those who have lived all their lives in the darkness of Biblical ignorance or false religion! Everything about life used to be hopeless, confusing, drab, and dark, but now – oh, now it is all brilliant light! There are answers!
As we believe in Him, He makes us “children of Light” (12:36). Our very nature is changed – redeemed – transformed. Only God can do that transformation, and how thankful we are that He has done it in us and that He continues to do it in the lives of countless others.
God allows you to be part of His work, sharing the light so “that whosoever believeth on [Him] should not abide in darkness” (12:46). Not everyone will come to the Light, but some will. May God strengthen you and give you great wisdom and patience as you seek to touch lives with the gospel. Thank God for those who have been redeemed from darkness to light, and thank God for those who will yet be redeemed.
May God bless you with light in your own heart and life, and may He bless your ministry by bringing others to that glorious Light, to be rescued, redeemed, and transformed.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
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