“Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you … then you shall see and become radiant, and your heart shall swell with joy …” Isaiah 60:1-2,5a (NKJV)
“… for at one time you were in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true).” Ephesians 5:8-9 (ESV)
This year, the week-long, joy-filled Jewish festival Succoth begins Sunday evening, Oct. 16, and ends on Sunday, Oct. 23. Also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, this ancient festival celebrates God’s faithfulness during the Israelites’ 40-year wilderness journey. Lighting their way in the desert by a pillar of fire, God provided His presence and protection daily for His people, who could move quickly in their tents or tabernacles to follow Him. (Exodus 13:21) After Solomon’s Temple was built, four massive, 75-foot candelabras with golden bowls holding 10 gallons of oil were lit to remind the people of how God’s Shekinah glory filled His temple. Annually, crowds made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, pitched their tents and gathered to commemorate this celebration. At one such festival, Jesus arrived declaring, “I AM the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) God’s glory was shown again in the person of the Messiah.
Today, the Light of the World has set up His residence among us. (1 Corinthians 3:16) Jesus has exhorted His faithful ones to be ready with our lamps burning as we wait for the return of the Bridegroom. (Matthew 25:1-13) Having been pursued and rescued by Christ out of darkness into His marvelous light, we are called to illuminate His life-giving hope and love to others who remain in darkness. What a privilege we’ve been given to participate in His mission on earth to expand His Kingdom of light, pushing back the darkness until He returns! Are we, the “children of light,” whose lives have been transformed to radiate the fruit of His light by His Spirit, still shining brightly? Are we longing to keep our vessels filled with the oil of His Spirit, choosing to do what pleases the Lord?
Being upheld by His Spirit as His luminaries for drawing others to the joy of our salvation, we realize our need to keep on being filled with His Spirit, always enjoying His presence. How blessed we are to have immediate access into God’s powerful presence through precious prayer! The more we seek to understand the Father’s heart, the greater our joy. When we remain intimately connected to Him by spending time in prayer and worship, and studying His Word, we rejoice all day long! We have been graciously given the Word as a lamp to light our path, reassuring us of His presence and guiding us to discern His purposes and plans for our lives. As we grow in our passionate devotion for the One who delivered us and experience the glory of His goodness, the Lord Jesus will provide everything we need to reflect His light to others. Then may we, the Church, be a brilliant testimony to His power and presence and be the beacon of His truth to glorify the great name of our Father in Heaven.
Our God Hears,
Barb Wibling