Let Your Light Shine

Let Your Light Shine

John Stevenson

green and white plant on white ceramic potMy mother was born and raised in Puerto Rico and I have had the opportunity to visit the island on a few different occasions.  One of my favorite places is a bio-luminescent lagoon located on the northeastern tip of the island.  To get to the lagoon, you must paddle by kayak across a bay and through a narrow, twisting channel taking you through thick mangroves, all under the darkness of night.  The lagoon itself is filled with millions of microscopic organisms that give off light when the water is disturbed.  Put your hand into the water and they look like tiny lightning bugs.  Splash the water with your paddle and the entire area lights up with a soft glow.
Reflecting on this creative wonder, several things came to mind.  First of all, I am told that these tiny organisms derive their light from the sun.  They collect the light during the day and then give it off during the night.  If the previous several days have been cloudy, then they will have little or no light to give off.  We arebeach shore much the same way.  We derive our light from the Son and from being in His presence.  Shut us off from His presence, and soon we will have little or no light to share with others.
…for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. (1 Thessalonians 5:5-6).
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).
Another thought that comes to mind is that it is often in our adversity that we shine the brightest.  The organisms in the water don’t light up until you disturb them.  When you first get to the lagoon, it is completely dark.  Pitch black.  But when you dip in a paddle or swirl the water with your hand, then you see it light up.  We are often the same way.  Allow us to remain undisturbed and our light begins to fade, but churn us up and we shine brightly.  May the Lord continue to churn your spirit to shine for Him.

Written by John Stevenson

John and his wife, Paula, have been a part of the Park Road Pres family since 1988. John serves as a teaching Elder at our Church and often leads Adult Sunday School Classes Sunday mornings at 10:15am. He currently is a Professor of Bible and History at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary and is the department Chair for the Biblical and Theological Studies Division.

John has a B.A. from the Florida Bible College, an M.Div. from Knox Theological Seminary, and a D.Min. from Reformed Theological Seminary. He has taught at many other schools such as Trinity International University, Broward College, Reformed Theological Seminary, and Moldova Bible Seminary.

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