A Burning and Shining Light

"He was a burning and a shining light" (John 5:35)

This lasting tribute was said of John the Baptist, by Jesus Himself. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater that John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." (Matthew 11:11)

This means that each one of us may, like John, be a burning and shining light. But there is a price to be paid. Years ago the great revival preacher, Leonard Ravenhill, said, "The cost of shining is burning. Many want to glow without the heat, but there can be no sparkle where there are not sparks; and there can be no sparks where the hammer of God's word does not strike the anvil of our souls."

The cost of shining is burning. The disciples said, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us along the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?" (Luke 24:32). In yet another place the Bible asks, "does not My word burn like fire?" says the Lord. "Is it not like a mighty hammer that smashes a rock to pieces?" (Jeremiah 23:29)

As we open ourselves to the igniting power of God's word, all within us that is wood, hay or stubble is consumed by its tireless flame. And then, whatever yet remains that is hardened and unresponsive deep in our hearts is busted loose by the mighty blow of God's hammer - His living word unleashed in our yielded lives.

Will you let the truth of God's unchanging Word have its way in our life? In your thoughts, your hopes, and your aspirations? In your opinions, your attitudes, and your behavior? In your family, your friendships, and your associations?

If you say yes, you will become a burning and shining light; and you will be counted great in the Kingdom of God. On the other hand, you can light you own fire and burn out in no time - with nothing to show for the one life you have lived. Surely, you can see the better choice is to yield your heart to Christ and let Him be honored by the light of your ignited life.

And He will say of YOU on that day, "This one was a burning and shining light." (James Ryles, Adapted)

PALM SUNDAY; A DAY OF VICTORY?

I firmly believe that Jesus knew EXACTLY what would happen to him as he entered Jerusalem one last time, to celebrate the Passover. He was NOT taken by surprise at the events. He knew about the ass's colt, and he knew that the people on the road would see Him and realize that He was, in fact, The Messiah and He was NOT disappointed. Imagine what he must have felt, knowing that God the Father had ALL things in and under control, yet also knowing that in less than a week He would die a horrible and extremely painful death.

Yes, in just a few days He would pray; "The hour is come; glorify They Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee." But, for now, He is coming into Jerusalem, as the victorious King. The people placed palm branches and cloaks on the road for His colt to walk on. The people thought they understood just exactly what was going on, yet, in truth, they had absolutely no comprehension as to what would take place.

In fact, even the disciples did not really comprehend what they would hear and see over the next several days. Isaiah tells us that He would be beaten and wounded and whipped with 39 stripes because of each of us. That is what victory is all about. Giving ALL so that those that cannot win will be declared victors.

We hear some say "God though enough of me that He sent His Son to die in my place. I am Worthy." However, the converse is true. We were NOT worthy, and never could have been worthy of God's Love. AND, it was because of that very reason that Christ had to suffer and die. He did it all so He could make US WORTHY. His unworthiness became our worthiness.

So, as we celebrate this Palm Sunday of 2010, let us think upon and be reconciled to the fact that even though we were NOT worthy, God sent His only begotten Son so that the unworthy, ungrateful, unrepentant citizens of this planet called Earth could celebrate eternally with Jesus in the Kingdom called HEAVEN, and have VICTORY here and now!