Not just a decoration
At this time of year we need our lights, unless we want to take to our beds for the hours of darkness (though actually that would suit me just fine!).
There is such a choice out there, depending on what you want the light to do. Last week we spent a while in the lighting department of a certain Swedish furniture store, whilst Mr Pamsperambulation found just the kind he wanted. But beautiful as some light fittings are, what is really important is the light that it gives, the help that it gives in being able to see what you need to.
This reading from Isaiah reminds us that the role of the Lord’s servant is to be a Light for the world – so that the world may be saved. The Lord’s servant has a purpose. God has chosen him to lead the people who have gone astray back to him – and to be able to do that they will need to be able to see clearly. They will need to see where they are, where they should be, and the way between the two.
But this is not just a task for that one light. 1 Corinthians reminds us that we too are called to be a holy people. We belong to him, and are united to him. If we are in union with Christ, then his call is our call. We receive his blessings, and we receive his challenge. We are not just for decoration – but to lead a holy life shining in the world.
Jesus invites us to “Come and See”. And having seen we can go and fetch others, that they might see too. We are to enable others to see, that they might discover him too.
Good lighting is not just for decoration, it’s for illumination. Jesus is the Light of the World, and he invites us to be a light too. That others may see him and know him, and the light may burn brighter.
Thank you Jesus
That you come into our world.
That you bring light in the dark,
That you come to lead us home,
To illuminate our path day by day.
Help us to walk with you,
To join with you,
That our flickering light
may become part of your eternal flame.
Pam's Perambulation 