Light to the World
by Malcolm Wood
At first glance when Jesus said ‘I am the light of the world’ it might be seen to contradict other words which He spoke when He said to His followers ‘You are the light of the world’. Both of course are true - Yes Jesus is THE Light of the World but whereas He no longer is physically present in the world, we are, and He expects us, as His people, to emanate something of His light.
In the 21st Century light is available in many different forms and is used to give direction, security, comfort, warning, healing, entertainment and much more.
Many spiritual analogies can be drawn from light and its many attributes and uses. In these dark days, as we, the Body of Christ, grapple with the challenge of being that ‘light on a hill’ that Jesus speaks of in Matthew 5:14, what kind of light are we displaying? Is it clear and easily identifiable from all the other lights that dazzle and confuse?
Each of us has a part to play in displaying something of the character and nature of the Light of the World. Just as flood lighting used to illuminate a sports arena is inappropriate for lighting up a cupboard under the stairs, and a torch, which is so useful in a power cut, does little to offer the healing potential of an Infra red lamp, so we need to be sure that we’re using what God’s put in us in the way He intends it to be used, and in the place of His choosing.
As we allow the Holy Spirit to direct how and where we minister the love of Jesus, whether it’s by a word of encouragement, warning, or comfort, an act of kindness or a prayer for healing, the light of Jesus will undoubtedly shine through and reveal more of Him and help to dispel some of the darkness.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me today, and every day, to shine for You wherever You place me so that others can see more of You. Amen.
Malcolm Wood and his wife Anna became part of the Ellel family as House Managers at Ellel Grange in 1990. Since then they have been involved with many aspects of the developing Ministry. From 2001 until 2015 they were Directors of Ellel Scotland where they hosted several International Schools and Operation Blairmore and helped pioneer the exciting Creative Inspiration Weeks. They have three sons.
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