“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16Fireflies; it's the adventure of Summer days as a child. Taking a hold of any empty jar, whether it was a glass baby food jar or an old jelly or mayonnaise jar, we'd empty them and we'd go around the neighborhood catching fireflies. It's their bright little abdomen lighting up and begging us to capture them; once caught we couldn't wait to show them off; it's our prize!
Today, are we shining bright; so illuminated that those around us want to "catch" what has been put into these jars of clay? When our lives are touched by the Lord; when our lives are changed and we experience forgiveness and newness of life, we shout it out to all who want to listen. We experience this transformation like a butterfly bursting out of its cocoon. We are free, liberated and forgiven. Whooo...fly...fly....a freedom that's new and a weight that is gone. As time goes by, sometimes our light or joy becomes diminished.
Fireflies light up as a way to attract, to call out for a mate; a perfect design by God. We go around catching them because their light is intriguing and interesting. We marvel at the glow and have even discovered that the darker it gets as night falls, the brighter our little prize in the jar becomes!
I want my life to reflect such a light that those that are looking want to "catch" it. In a world where hope seems gone, pain seems to be common and despair wants to rob and turn off our light; I want to shine even brighter, don't you? Life is an experience with trials but with Christ he has enabled us to overcome. May not always be easy, but yes, overcome!
While catching these fireflies as a little child, I inevitably would accidentally hurt the firefly. I got too close and touched it's little belly and my harsh hand would cause its demise. It's like us, often in the midst of our walk, people say the wrong thing causing us pain; false accusation, jealousy, bitterness, anger all manifesting in actions that hurt one another.
Interestingly, I remember that even when I accidentally, in my curiosity, brought this little creature to its end, it's LIGHT continued to glow. Even in death, this creature continued to shine. It reminds me of Stephen. While his accusers stoned him, he continued to glorify God, letting his light shine until the end. "When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep". (Acts 7:54-60)
There is plenty of darkness in this world we live in. The smallest flicker shines bright in darkness. Find us faithful Lord and help us to overcome. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16)
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.2 Corinthians 4:7
God bless you!~Liz
www.lizrod.com
