Thursday, July 19, 2018

SHINE

In Matthew 5:14-16, we read: “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 your Father in heaven.

“Come on, Timmy. We’re going on a treasure hunt.” Timmy followed Grandfather to his truck.

“A treasure hunt?”

“I’m looking for silver candlesticks. A gift for Aunt Sybil for Christmas.”

“Christmas? This is July. Can’t we wait?”

“Nope. I’m starting early to find the perfect gift.”

At the second shop, Grandfather held up candlesticks. “This is the pair.” He carried the candlesticks to the checkout counter.

“She’s not going to like those. They’re dirty.” Grandfather smiled.

At home, he applied silver polish, buffed them, repeated the process until they gleamed.

“Wow. They look great. She'll love them. Want me to get a box for them?”

“Not yet. We have to try them out.” Timmy cocked his head.

That night, Grandfather put candles in the candle sticks, arranged them on the table. Before they sat to eat, he lit the candles.

“They’re beautiful, Grandfather. The light shines from the candles and reflects in the silver.”

“Like us, Timmy. When we receive the Lord Jesus, we’re beautiful. So clean. As we go through life, we get tarnished from the stuff we see and the way we respond to it. The Lord Jesus comes and polishes us. That can be painful but He’s got plenty of time and wants us to gleam.”

“Shine, Grandfather, shine. He lets us shine from His light. Wow!

“Couldn’t say it better myself.” Grandfather smiled.

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus commands to let my light shine. His light as He lives through me. He promises to love me and never leave me. He offers the same to you. Won’t you come?