Matthew 5:14 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
It was 1972, around 2 AM in the city of New Orleans. I'd had a fight with my boyfriend and stormed out of the restaurant into the dark winter night. In a blind rage I ran down the street, turned a corner and slowed to a brisk walk.
Suddenly I heard footfall behind me and glanced over my shoulder. A man followed me and was quickly catching up. There was light up ahead so I ran to it.
Ducking into a parking garage, I went straight to the toll booth where there was a young black man inside, who was somewhat malformed. I babbled my story and asked if I could wait there for awhile. He asked me where I was staying. I admitted we were living in a converted school bus but I had no idea where it was parked, where I was, or how to get back to the restaurant where I'd left my boyfriend. The man suggested he take me back to his apartment where I could sleep for the night, and when he got off work in the morning he would help me find the bus. I accepted his offer.
Are you thinking I must have been insane? Well, as a young hippie, you're not far off the mark. But a miracle happened that night and I'm convinced the man was an angel of God. Certainly at least a Christian.
True to his word, he took a lunch break, drove me to his apartment, let me in and left me there. At daybreak he returned and drove me around the neighborhood until we found the bus. He didn't ask me for anything. We never met again, nor did I know his name. Yet I will never forget the light he beamed into my dark life.
There have been many times when the light of Christ shown through others into my darkness and illuminated the way for me. Strangely enough, they were often black men. I believe God had His hand on me before conception, knew every decision and move I would make, every word I would speak. His has lit the way throughout my life, guiding me to the door of His kingdom.
Now I have a responsibility to shine the light of Christ into the darkness of my world. Everyone who has accepted Jesus' death on the cross as payment for one's sins, is filled with His light to bring to the dark areas of their own cities, communities and neighborhoods.
Are you lit up? Take a few moments to sit quietly and call on the Holy Spirit to reveal in You where He would have You bring a glimmer of hope today. Someone is desperately seeking the love and mercy of Jesus.
You are the light of the world. He lives in you now. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Don't try to blend into your surroundings - you're outstanding!
Heavenly Father, as we carry the light of Christ in our hearts, show us the way You would have us go, take us to the place that needs light. Thank You for the privilege of casting the warm glow of our Savior's heart into a dark and weary world. May we be obedient to the voice of the Holy Spirit today as we seek Your will, that You be glorified. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.
