A light for Christ
Opening Prayer
Lord, as others look for hope, let me shine Your light and speak words of life.
Read LUKE 11:29–36
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
[29] As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. [30] For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation. [31] The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom; and now something greater than Solomon is here. [32] The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here. [33] “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. [34] Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. [35] See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. [36] Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What were the people seeking?People have always wanted proof. Or maybe a sign so that they can be certain they are not on the wrong track. But frequently they have all the proof they need before their eyes, and still are unable to believe. The crowds in this story are witnessing extraordinary things, yet they still want more. Jesus warns them that their dullness will look ridiculous in the sight of the Assyrians, and even the Queen of Sheba, who both had far less revealed to them than this current crowd has. So what signs, or light, do people have today? Well, Jesus taught his followers that he is the “light of the world” (John 8:12). His followers, too, are also bearers of that light (Matt. 5:14) and, therefore, have a responsibility to tend it and to make sure it shines true and bright. We are lamps to hold up that light and guide others to him.
Apply
Spend some time reflecting on your own qualities as a human lighthouse for Christ!
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