Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a
bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the
house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may
see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Jesus telling His followers they're the "light of
the world" is no small thing. As Christians, the times we have to share
Christ as our Lord and Savior or, in other words-to be His light to others in
this world-actually occur fairly often. Unfortunately, we often dismiss or
sidestep these chances as we carry on with our busy and important lives.
Sometimes, however, we may find ourselves in a place
where we would never have imagined sharing the Gospel with others.
Such was the case of Nury Escobar de Milian of Guatemala,
a Sunday school teacher who has been sharing the Good News with students for
more than 25 years.
Some years ago Escobar de Milian was kidnapped and held
captive for five days in the jungles of Central America. When she was abducted
she had one book in her possession-her Bible. That proved to be a blessing for
her and those among whom she was held hostage. With it she read to the children
of the women who were taking care of her doing this trying ordeal.
What a wonderful time and place to apply all those years
of teaching Sunday school!
Some months later following her release, Escobar de
Milian learned that missionaries were not allowed to come into those jungle
communities or they would be threatened with death. Although outwardly her
situation had the uneasy possibility of becoming a terrible experience, God
gave her the strength to share the light of the Gospel with her captors.
As Jesus is the light of the world, so are we called to
carry that light to those places where others need to see it. That may be at
your neighborhood farmers market, while watching your kids play soccer or, as
in the case of one Guatemalan Sunday school teacher, while held captive in a
jungle.
The message of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection
transcends cultural barriers and has the power to transform any life. What a great
privilege we have of sharing His light with the world!
Dear Lord, thank You for giving us the light of the Gospel.
Help us to reflect Your light and show Your glory in the different situations
of our lives. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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