Thursday, 15 November 2012

New Light through Old Windows


"The people walking in darkness, have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned"
(Isaiah 9:2)




Sabbath Sunday. A shimmering breezy day, with an expanse of blue stretched far and wide over our heads. Sweet rays of warmth play through the leaves as we make our bumpy way down the mountain. A herd of white goats scatter in front of our truck, the ram glowering at us as we drive past. A day of fellowship. Tender memories shaped from an al fresco feast and children's laughter from the branches of a fallen tree. We pass platters of crusty bread and sun-softened cheese between us; reach for delicate treats from old tins that add a touch of nostalgia to the afternoon. Crisp ginger beer and mint water cool and refresh, and we part with contented sighs.

Later that day I sit back in a rocking chair on the deck, our two cherubs in my lap. We watch the clouds gather and change shape, the play of light on the treetops as the day draws to a close. I always marvel at the way the old masters could bring a canvas to life with light, colour and shadows, in perfect balance and harmony. But before me is a canvas that surpasses them all, this Artist's brushstrokes are beyond genius. They offer just a hint of the Glory that lies beyond all this, the source of eternal light and peace.


That little word "light" appears sixty six times in the Bible. We are called to be salt and light in a world that has lost its essence, surrendered the true source of light to something fickle, which can be manipulated, turned on and off at will. I need to be reminded that my candle will be snuffed out time and again, unless I have the shelter of His wings to protect it, fuel it, make it burn true.

Light is first mentioned in the third verse of Genesis, when the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. The stage is set, the drama poised to unfold. We hold our breaths, something amazing is about to happen... If I had to choose a music score for this scene, it would be a dramatic Bach organ prelude, in minor key.  And God said: Let there be light, and there was light and God saw that the light was good and he separated the light from the darkness. Remember that this was not the sun, it was only created on the fourth day... Vivaldi's Gloria! in D Major, plays out this act.

This morning I read these beautiful words in Isaiah 9:2: "The people walking in darkness, have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned". And then in verse 6 the source of this light is revealed: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given and the government will be on His shoulders". The Messiah came as a baby who was born, as a gift from God, to be a ruler.(...He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, his kingdom will never end" Lk 1:33) Verse 6 then names all his perfections: Wonderful Councillor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The Messiah is eternally a Father to his people (us!), guarding, supplying and caring for our needs. The One who brings peace in the fullest sense of wholeness, prosperity and tranquillity. We may experience his peace now, and in the fullness of time the world will experience it also. ("He will judge between nations, and will settle disputes for many people" Isa 2:4) How? The passage ends with this promise: "The zeal of the Lord will accomplish this". 

The black of night and the darkness of the world has no hold on us. Through those deep valleys when the shadows seem endless, there is THE eternal source of  light to draw on, always. The prince of darkness may be prowling and provoking, but our Prince of Peace has victory, for us to claim as our own.

And there; on the last page of my Bible, in Revelation chapter 22, I read about the wondrous delights of the new Jerusalem: "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse". And then finally in verse 5: There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. You notice how many times "will" is mentioned?

An irrevocable promise of a fullness of life and a everlasting blessing.

Now I see through a hazy mirror. The mystery of what is foolishness to those walking in darkness, is still to be revealed. Until that day, with the anticipation of a child waiting for her father to come home, I will search the horizon. Turn my ears to the sound of Jesus' coming. Ask to have my lamp filled to the brim, with the oil of his Spirit. So that when the bridegroom arrives, I can get up on trembling legs, reach for His hand and walk with Him, into the Light eternal.



2 comments:

  1. "old masters could bring a canvas to life with light, colour and shadows, in perfect balance and harmony." You are quite a master at bringing our simple fellowship day to life! thank you for the memory and for your blog - 'We have seen a GREAT light'

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    1. These are times to treasure for us. To be part of this extended family, to share the same Love - When He is part of our times together, it always becomes something great!

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