The clouds are black and foreboding this afternoon. Darkness is stretching its talons across the town, gripping tighter and drawing the shadows together. Heavy, Styrofoam-like balls of snow pelt the windows and the side of the house. It’s a good day to be inside, out of the wind and snow. Yet, despite the gloomy winter afternoon, a speck of God’s presence is visible on the landscape.
The steeple of the little country church can be seen for miles. From nearly any spot in my backyard, its white spire is discernible above the trees. The tip points straight to heaven, a compass directing travelers to God.
Jesus tells His disciples in Matthew 5, verses 14 to 16 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden, nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify you Father in heaven.”
As beautiful as the little church building is, the structure is not the true church. The true church is God’s people, the followers of Christ. We are called to point the way to Christ, to live a life that stands out from the rest of the world, to glorify the Father in heaven.
The world is gripped in darkness, a darkness that goes beyond the strange weather. People live in fear; many are hungry, homeless, naked. Others live in the bondage of addiction, hopelessness, emptiness. The Lord offers hope and peace, joy and freedom. And the children of God are called to show the world the way to Christ and the hope He promises.
Whatever the weather, the lights shine bright and strong through the windows of the country church, pouring out into the darkness and lighting up the steeple, pointing people to heaven. And like the little church, followers of Christ are to be visible to the world. Don’t hide the treasure of the love of Christ. Let your light shine like a beacon, set it on a high hill, let it show the hope and the promise of Christ and His salvation to all who will believe.
