The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Light

  • The Blind Man

    “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.”
    John 12:46

    There was a particular blind man that Jesus healed. Jesus had just told his disciples that He was the Light of the world. “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5). When they encountered a blind man, Jesus made clay and anointed the eyes of the blind man. He then told the man to go wash his eyes. The blind man went, washed his eyes, and came again seeing.

    There was much discussion about this man amongst the people. They finally took him to the Pharisees. When the Pharisees asked what happened to him, he told them. After much discussion, they called him again asking how he could see. All he knew was, “whereas I was blind, now I see” (John 9:25b).

    The religious people challenged Jesus’ authority to give this blind man sight. “We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is” (John 9:29). This man, who was once blind, did not understand them. This is a marvelous thing! Even though these religious leaders did not know Jesus, the blind man was just glad that he could see! This blind man understood enough to know that God is the one that heals. “32. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. 33. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing” (John 9:32-33).

    The religious leaders did not like his answer. “34. They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out” (John 9:34). They cast him out of the Temple.

    When Jesus heard, he found the man. “Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?” (John 9:35). The man who had been healed had a question. “He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?” (John 9:36). Jesus declared to him that He was the Son of God. Read the man’s response. “And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him” (John 9:38). This man who was blind could now see. But more than that, he met Jesus and believed that He was the Son of God. He could not only see physically, but spiritually he “saw” Jesus.

    What happened next? Jesus had a point to make. “And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind” (John 9:39). The religious leaders heard what Jesus had to say. The Pharisees responded. “And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?” (John 9:40). Jesus responded: “Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth” (John 9:41).

    The Pharisees did not think they were blind. Jesus pointed out that they were right. They could see. Most importantly, they could see the sin in their lives and chose to let it remain – even though Jesus was right there. For Jesus is the only one who could take that sin away, curing the blindness in the Pharisees. Remember why Jesus cam: “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46). In this instance, the Pharisees chose to remain in darkness. Read what the Bible teaches about those who choose to remain in their sin. “26. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27. But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries” (Hebrews 10:26-27).

    Have you chosen to see (believing in Jesus), or to abide in darkness (remain in sin)?

    How to be Saved

  • A Light to the Gentiles

    “And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.”
    Isaiah 60:3

    We are all familiar with the birth of Jesus that we often refer to as the “Christmas Story.” There had been about four hundred years without a new word from God or His prophets. Suddenly, we learn the angels begin to tell of the birth of Jesus that would soon be. When Jesus was born, the angels declared the birth of the “Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11) to the shepherds who went to see Him. However, have you thought about what happened shortly after Jesus’ birth? 

    Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, Jesus had been born, and the shepherds had visited. “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem” (Matthew 2:1). Notice the question these wise men asked, “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2). They went to the obvious place to find a newborn king: the palace (the king’s house) in the capital city, Jerusalem. Remember though, that the reigning king, Herod, was an illegitimate king appointed by the Roman government to rule over the Jewish people. Read how he responded to this news. “When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him” (Matthew 2:3). To understand this verse better, you have to know a little about King Herod. He built many great buildings, but he was also known for his great jealousy and cruelty. He had his own wife and two sons put to death. That helps us better understand why when it was declared that a new king had been born, “he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” No one at the palace knew of a newborn king – but Herod wanted to find out. “4. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6. And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel” (Matthew 2:4-6). The religious leaders had found the answer in God’s Word (in Micah 5:2). Notice that the chief priests and scribes were the ones who knew the answer – yet we do not read that any of them even went to look for this Governor, who would rule God’s people.

    When Herod called in the wise man to give them the answer, he sent them to search and find the child. Herod told these wise men to return and tell him where this new king was found so that he too, could go and worship him (see Matthew 2:7-8). When the wise men left, the star went before them until it stood over where the young child was. “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy” (Matthew 2:10). But more than that: “11. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 12. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way” (Matthew 2:11-12). They worshiped the child and presented Him with gifts. The Wise Men also heeded the warning from God and did not return to King Herod to tell him where the new king had been born.  

    God also warned Joseph of the pending danger (see Matthew 2:13-15a). Joseph obeyed God, and Jesus’ life was spared. And remember wicked King Herod? When he finally figured out that the wise men were not returning, he was angry. He had all the children two years old and under killed (see Matthew 2:16). However, what Herod did not know was that God had already moved Jesus to a safer place, protecting Him from wicked King Herod.

    Remember what Isaiah wrote hundreds of years earlier. “1. Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. 2. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. 3. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. 6. The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD” (Isaiah 60:1-3, 6). Remember that there were about four hundred years of silence from God before Jesus was born (“darkness shall cover the earth”). Then angels appeared declaring Jesus, the Savior of the world, was coming (“his glory shall be seen upon thee”). Remember also that Jesus is the “Light of the world” (see John 8:12). Wise men (“Gentiles”) from the east brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (“they shall bring gold and incense”). It all happened just as God declared it would.

    Have you recognized Jesus, the Saviour, which is Christ the Lord?

    How to be Saved

  • Search the Scriptures Daily

    “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
    Psalm 119:11

    Christians know that God’s Word is the Bible. We must also recognize the importance of using it correctly. In order to understand the correct way to use God’s Word, one must first know what it says. Each Christian should have their own personal copy of the Bible realizing the importance of not only having it, but also reading it and knowing what it says.

    How do Christian’s learn what God’s Word truly says? “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). Read the Bible, search it, and understand what it says. It is important to learn how to compare Scripture to Scripture. The Bible is the best commentary on itself!

    As one searches the Scriptures, one is to remember it and hide it in one’s heart. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). When a Christian has the Word of God in one’s heart, what are they to do with it? “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). One must allow God’s Word to direct their life. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17).

    Much as Christians are to learn how to understand God’s Word, they are to learn how to use the Word of God correctly. Christians are to recognize those who know Jesus, and to recognize true teachers of God’s Word. There are many teachers in the world. We are to listen to the ones who truly know Jesus (are Christians), teach the truth of Jesus, and live those truths out in their lives. “7. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation … 17. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:7, 17). If they teach the true Word of God, living those truths out in their lives, follow them.

    What is the most important thing we should understand about knowing and living by God’s Word?  “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:5). It really does not matter what one thinks, it matters what God said in His Word. Once we understand this, we have a hope the world does not have. We know from reading the Bible that God promised Jesus from the beginning of time. God gave His Son, Jesus, to bring us to a relationship with Him. This can only be obtained by understanding the Gospel Message. “1. Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2. By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Why doesn’t everyone in the world understand the importance of the Gospel Message? “3. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). Satan does not want anyone to know the simplicity of the Truth of the Gospel Message. That is why it is important for us to first live a life that reveals Jesus, and then tell the world what Jesus has done — so that they, too, may be saved.

    Do you search the Scriptures daily, understanding and sharing the Gospel message?

    How to be Saved

  • The Separation

    “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”
    John 3:19

    While living in the garden and tending it, God gave only one command to Adam and Eve – do not eat of the fruit of one particular tree in the garden. “16. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:16-17).

    Satan then entered the picture in the form of a serpent. “Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” (Genesis 3:1). Satan came to Eve under the guise of a serpent, and he challenged God’s Word as he spoke to Eve. He omitted some of the Word of God – just a couple of words. He questioned the Word of God. “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat” (Genesis 3:6). Eve did not trust God’s Word. Eve was deceived. She took of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and then gave it to Adam who was not deceived, but took of it willingly. “And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression” (1 Timothy 2:14). They chose to disobey God. (Remember Proverbs 3:5-6.)

    When man disobeyed God’s command, it separated them from God. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). It was then that their eyes were opened. “And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons” (Genesis 3:7). They recognized they had sinned. Because of that sin, there was immediate separation from God. When man disobeyed God (sinned), his spirit was changed. Remember that before, Adam and Eve met with God in the cool of the day. “And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden” (Genesis 3:8). Now, Adam and Eve hid from God. When confronted with their disobedience, they could have confessed their sin. Instead, they passed the blame – made excuses (see Genesis 3:9-13).

    Because they sinned, they hid from God. They now loved evil more than righteousness. “19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” (John 3:19-20). Man was no longer perfect as when God created him. No longer innocent. They died spiritually. Man no longer possessed the same God-like character.

    After God cursed the serpent (Satan), God gave a warning and a promise of hope to all of mankind. “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). There would be a constant conflict between Satan and mankind – forever. Nevertheless, God promised that the war was won from this point. For He promised to send One to deliver mankind from Satan and the punishment for sin (death: see Romans 6:23) forever. God promised to send His Son, Jesus. Jesus came and defeated Satan.

    Although God cast them out of the Garden of Eden, remember God gave the promise of redemption through Jesus. “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).

    Do you love the darkness or the light?

    How to be Saved

  • Light versus Darkness

    “18. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.”
    Proverbs 4:18-19

    Everyone understands the difference between light and dark. They are opposites. In one, you can see clearly, in the other you cannot. In the darkness, much can be hidden and unseen. Sometimes we think of the scary things – seen or unseen – in the darkness. See what King Solomon recorded for us to read: “18. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble” (Proverbs 4:18-19). These are two separate ways. They are in contrast one with the other. The way of light, shines more and more. This helps one understand that the path becomes brighter and brighter, where one is able to see and comprehend what is before them better and better.

    What is this light that shines? See what Jesus said in the book of John. “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). Jesus is The Light. Those who believe in Him (Christians) are to walk in that light, not in darkness. Understand why Jesus came: “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46). There is a choice: light or darkness. For those who do not want to walk in darkness, they should choose Jesus, the Light of the world.

    So why doesn’t everyone choose light, believing in Jesus? When people reject God and His commandments, the land fills with “darkness.”  See what Jesus said, “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). There are those who prefer the deeds one finds in the darkness – evil deeds. Those evil deeds are sin that separates people from God. Read why Jesus told Paul to go preach the Gospel message: “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:18). One can understand that those who choose evil deeds, walking in darkness, are under the power of Satan.

    Remember that Jesus came to set people free from that darkness to walk as His dear children in Him (the Light).What can we learn about those who choose to hear the Gospel message of Jesus, turning from those evil deeds done in darkness (sin)? “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). Those who choose Him have the light of Jesus in their hearts and lives. Christians are taught to walk as children of light for a Christian cannot walk in “darkness” (sin).  “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth” (1 John 1:6).

    As we continue to read, we find more instruction that Christians are to heed. “11. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret” (Ephesians 5:11-12). Do not be one who has the Light of Jesus in your heart and mind, yet continues to walk with those who chose to remain in darkness. Instead, we are to tell them about Jesus and encourage them to choose the Light of life. As Christians (God’s people), we are to be different – not like the “world” around us “14. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16. Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:14-17). Wake up! For Jesus will give you light (illuminating your path – remember Psalm 119:105: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”), then walk cautiously as wise, and understand what the Lord has planned for you.

    Do you walk in darkness, not knowing at what you stumble?

    Or, have you chosen the path of the just that is as the shining light?

    How to be Saved

  • The Wrath of God

    “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
    John 3:36

    No one talks about the wrath of God anymore. What exactly is the wrath of God?  It is mentioned most often in the New Testament. One clear understanding of it is found in the reading of Romans chapter one. In that chapter, one can understand that God’s wrath is holy and just in its indignation against sin. It is so much more than just anger at the willingness of people to continue in sin, it is extreme anger mingled with disgust or abhorrence of that sin.

    Doesn’t God love people? See what Jesus said in the following verses:

    • “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
    •  “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:17).
    •  “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18).
    •  “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19).

    Why would God, who is known for His great love, condemn people? People condemn themselves because they have chosen to not believe in Jesus (the Light) and instead love darkness – because their deeds are evil. John summed up the consequences in the last verse of that chapter. It tells what becomes of one who does not believe that Jesus came to die and take away the sin of each individual who would only believe. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36)

    How can one escape the wrath of God? It is declared simply in the Scriptures: “9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10). In doing this, one must turn from idols (anything that is more important than God – including self) and serve the living God. One must also understand that Jesus, God’s Son, is the only One who can deliver one from the wrath to come. “9. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10. And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10). We are now waiting for Jesus to come and take us out of the world before the wrath of God comes. The book of Revelation gives us a glimpse into the wrath of God that will be unleashed upon the earth one day (not to mention in eternity for those who have already died in their sin). One only needs to read the chapters of fourteen and fifteen of Revelation to understand just how bad the wrath of God that will befall those left on the earth.

    Now having understood from John chapter three that the wrath of God abides upon people who do not believe in Jesus, each person has a choice to make:

    Believe on the Son and have everlasting life

    Or

    Believe not the Son and have the wrath of God abide upon them.

    Have you made the choice to believe in Jesus, choosing life?

    How to be Saved

  • Jesus, the Light of the World

    “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
    John 8:12

    Does the world seem like it is a very dark place anymore? There is so much unrest and wickedness in the world today, it feels as if there is little hope for a peaceful future. Much of the evil persists in the darkest of the day, under the cover of night. “The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble” (Proverbs 4:19). What is one to do?

    God knew the wickedness in the hearts of people. Remember: “2. The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. 3. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Psalm 14:2-3). What a sad state people came to be! Yet because God loved us, he sent His Son, Jesus. He gave Jesus to be the light to bring people out of that darkness. “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). In the light, one can see. One can know where to go. Why is it so important to follow the Light, Jesus? “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:18).

    What an amazing thing Jesus is able to do:

    • turn one from darkness to light
    • turn one from the power of Satan unto God
    • give forgiveness of sins
    • give an inheritance by faith in Jesus

    Read how Jesus simply stated it: “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46). Who wouldn’t want to live in the light as opposed to living in darkness (where wickedness abounds)?

    So why is the world still in such darkness? “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). Some people just love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil.

    What are those who choose Jesus, the Light, to do? First, remember from whence you came. If you give your heart and life to Jesus, you are no longer that person you once were. You are a new creature in Christ, so you no longer do the wickedness of the darkness. “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).

    How can this world become a brighter, less dark place to live? We are to be a light in this world. We must tell more people about Jesus so that they can have the opportunity to turn from the darkness of sin to the Light of Jesus. “14. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

    Do you walk in the light, showing others Jesus in your heart and life?

    How to be Saved

  • A Light in the Darkness

    “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”
    1 Corinthians 10:11

    God often reminded His people what He expected of them. Before they were led into the land God promised to them, see what He told them: “Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes” (Deuteronomy 12:8). He also told them: “… thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God” (Deuteronomy 13:18).

    Not too long after the people were given these warnings, we read about a particularly tragic time. It is recorded in the book of Judges. A dominant theme is found within this book: “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). Notice that it doesn’t say they did wrong; they thought what they were doing was right. Although it didn’t appear wrong to them, it was wrong in God’s eyes. They did not obey the commands God had given them. We can read that the Israelites had rejected God as their king. They chose to be friends with the enemy nations. They also continually chose to turn to the enemy’s idol worship. However, we understand that God never left His people. When the enemy oppressed, God sent a judge (a champion) to deliver them from the hands of their enemies. Gideon and Samson are probably the most familiar judges. The book of Judges reveals some terribly vile things that took place. One excessively despicable event even led to civil war within the nation, almost annihilating one of the twelve tribes.

    God’s people were supposed to reveal to the world the love of God for those who follow and obey His Words. “1. And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2. And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God” (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). But instead, they rejected God and His Word to do what they thought was right. “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). Because of this, we read what God said the consequences of not obeying the word of the Lord would be. “62. And ye shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of heaven for multitude; because thou wouldest not obey the voice of the LORD thy God. 63. And it shall come to pass, that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought …” (Deuteronomy 28:62-63a). They were not a light, revealing God in the world. 

    There are so many examples in the Bible of which we should take notice. They are there to remind us of what happens when we cease to obey God’s Word and choose our own path. “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1 Corinthians 10:11). Jesus wants Christians to be a light in this world. “14. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). When the Christians in the churches cease to be obedient to God’s Word, it is much like a light that is put under a bushel. Compromising Christians hurt themselves, their families and their churches. Worse than that, they can also contribute to the decay of a whole nation. We can see this pictured in the book of Judges.

    Are you a compromising Christian, hurting loved ones and contributing to the decay of a nation?

    Or are you a light, showing Jesus in this world?