Light
I don’t like traffic. But not for the same reason as most people. I assume most people don’t like it because it’s obnoxious or causes them to be late. I don’t like it because it’s dangerous. The people who are annoyed or late begin to take matters into their own hands and they try and “make” things happen that benefit them at other peoples’ expense. That’s scary.
A few weeks ago, we were visiting family in Atlanta. It had been a good but long day. We were ready to be home but the traffic started to slow in front of us and we knew it was going to take a little longer. When you have bored pre-teens and a toddler who has no concept of “We can’t get out right now, but we’ll be home soon,” it’s a struggle. As we looked down the road, praying that traffic didn’t slow anymore—tired kids and all—we saw a light.
At the end of the overcast and gloomy road stood a glowing structure. It was strange and different. Nothing about it matched the scene, but it was a welcome sight amidst the tension—both inside and outside the car. As we got a little closer we discovered the object was a church!
Right at the end of the road, sitting—no, floating!—on the horizon was a large church, lit from foundation to steeple by the setting sun which pierced through the layers of clouds above. It was the only building the light was touching. It was awesome. Born inside of me in that moment was a glimmer of peace that carried me and the family forward as we were reminded that God was with us, even in metro traffic.
The sun’s light shining on a church off the interstate
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.” — Isaiah 9:2-3 NIV
Isaiah prophesied that those who had walked according to the ways of the dark world would see a great light through the God of Israel. He would be their cause for joy, and they would rejoice because of Him. He would shine the light of His glory on them, causing them to live lives that were holy unto Him.
When we get a glimpse of the glory of God, it has a reorienting effect. We are changed by what has happened, and that change reflects God back to those looking on. The glory of God ALWAYS leaves a mark, turning the person from what they were into what God is—holy. With holy meaning “set apart”, there is no way for someone who has experienced the Holy God to walk away without that holiness now a part of them.
Now, at the expense of sounding cheesy, I will never pass by that church on I-85 ever again and not think about the sun lighting up its steeple and cross, and what was happening in that moment. This same sentiment can be amplified exponentially if we consider the impact of experiencing God’s holiness through Jesus Christ. In our own dark times and challenging struggles, the light of Christ applied to our lives has a profound and life-transforming impact—more than just simple sunlight on a roadside steeple.
God finds all of us in different places, going through different things, at different times. And yet it is the one-and-the-same call to love God and live holy that is the solution for us. How amazing is it that God’s solution for every situation is the one Light, Jesus Christ?! He seeks to light the steeples of your lives, casting rays of holiness upon you so that you, too, can be a beacon that calls the world to more. And there is so much more to experience through life in Jesus Christ.
If we look at the Isaiah text again, the people had been living daily lives—coming and going—that revolved around an entire culture and way of doing things. God would alter all of that; He would reorient their lives with the revelation of His messiah. That’s more than just positivity during down times. That is eternal hope in the midst of doom.
My prayer for you today is that the Holy Spirit will light up your heart with the glory of God; and that you will be changed for God. I pray that wherever you find yourself in this moment—in your head, your heart, your family, your job, your school, or your circle of friends—that you will have cause for joy because you have Jesus as your Lord and your guide.
—Pastor Whit
Read more inspirational messages regarding faith by checking out past Whitt’s End articles.