Jesus said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand?” Mark 4:21

            “Why has God placed you and your church where it is and at this time,” I asked these pastors and lay leaders. We had gathered to share the power and joy of disciple-making ministries in New Mexico and Texas. “Do you believe that God has allowed you to remain, when so many other churches have gone away, with no purpose in mind?”

            One of the great gifts of our God is that the Holy Spirit intends to use our congregation for a great purpose. While other churches across our country have struggled and “gone out of business” we remain – vibrant and strong. God has something in mind for us – no matter where we have been planted.

            Our congregation is called to be a light on an elevated platform to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in an age dominated by shrill voices – religious and otherwise. What a wonderful word we have to share! This is the word of God’s gracious love for us that seeks after us, claims us and invites us into a life worthy of our living it. We have the gift of joy and significance to share with our world – a world that hungers for true joy but settles for momentary happiness; thirsts for significance and settles for mere success.

            So, as the lamp of the Spirit, let us shine brightly. We welcome others into the warmth of Christian hope. We strive to equip one another with a real faith for our real lives. And then we join with one another in bringing the light of God’s love with us wherever we go.

            As we leave church, I hope the picture that we can have in our minds is of a thousand lamps being taken by God into a world grown dark in skepticism and fear. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” And you are… shine bright, beloved people of God… shine bright.

Lord Jesus Christ, send your Holy Spirit to keep the light of your love burning strongly in your Church, and in me. Amen