Beacons of light – Part 3

We are like stars. We are created to sparkle and dazzle. A star cannot and does not hold back its brightness. It must sparkle and show its radiance. Unless it shines, it would have failed to display its purpose.

The command was, “let there be light”, and light shone over the face of the earth. The essence of God’s light is to dispel darkness. Darkness, no matter how thick, cannot overwhelm the light of God.

The world beckons on us to show our true identity. How can we be the light, when our influence is not felt in our society? We must arise and beam our light in every sphere of society: in politics, in business and economy, in arts and entertainment, in the media, in the family and home, in the field of religion, in education, in science and research, among others.

The sun or star does not shine on its own, but by the inherent brightness its Creator has bestowed on it. The strength of its brightness is inherent. It shines, not for its own sake, but its Creator. Our ability to shine is a reflection of the Holy Spirit living and working in us. Paul makes this fact very clear thus, “For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 NLT).

God has endowed each one of us with gifts, talents with which we can show our true identity. One way to shine is by putting our gifts and talents into use. It is by maximising our God-given potential and opportunities. When we radiate our light, we bring glory to the Creator, Who made us to be light. Esther is a good example of how we can dazzle and sparkle.

The name Esther means, “star.” Like a star, she shone in the firmament of Shushan. Her name and circumstances were divinely ordained. Despite the limitations of her background and pedigree, she rose to fulfil her true identity. As a star, she could not but fulfil her purpose or destiny. When the opportunity arose for her to shine, she did not shrink back in fear and timidity. She seized on it and declared, “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” (Esther 4:16 NKJV). Thereafter, Esther became a leading light among the Jews in SHUSHAN. She became a force to be reckoned with.‬

Esther shone like a light at the right time and season. She shone because she was prepared by God for the role she played. She was quickened within her to respond to the external stimulus of the moment. The power within her was activated to respond to the external situation she found herself.

Lastly, as beacons of light, we must bring the light of the gospel to the unreached people and groups in the nations. Many nations lie in darkness to the gospel and the knowledge of Jesus. So, we must take the gospel to them.
Contact: pastoracukachi@gmail. com