Friday Worship - 21.08.2020

'Light of the World!'

by Deacon Crimson

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First Reading: - Psalm 31: 14 –19          

Second Reading: - Isaiah 9:  1 - 3

Gospel Reading: - John 5: 36  - 39

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Isaiah 9:1-3

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.

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Dear Brethren

Greetings to you from Church of Christ the King, Libya. 

The book of Isaiah has been called a Prophetic book of promises.The promises come with implied conditions and with warnings for the non repentant. 

Isaiah chapter 9 is glorious as it speaks of the 'Birth of Lord Jesus Christ into the world'.  'Those who lived in darkness have seen a great light' implying that Jesus is the light from heaven.

Under the Darkness

Most nefarious activities happens under the cover of darkness. The dark hours are busy with smuggling, thefts, murders, kidnapping, prostitution. anti-social activities.

What is the reason for this?  Obviously, because the darkness covers the culprits and their evil activities. Synonymous with the dark-life are deadly preying creatures like centipedes, scorpions and snakes.

Under the Light

Mostly, all good work takes place in the light. Light brings happiness, joy and contentment. Light clears away the fear of darkness ushering freedom.

Sharing the Light

The nineteen century is called the 'Century of Missionaries'.  Thousands of missionaries ventured out especially to the Asia, Africa and the Central American Region. 

A young man, Dr. David Livingston, decided to become a missionary for Africa.  Africa was called the Dark Continent. In the early nineteenth century, people lacked education and lived in extreme poverty under the spell of witchcraft. The evil of slave trade was spreading its poison throughout the continent. The land was infected by different types of diseases. There was lack of medical hospitals and medical staff.

Despite all such hurdles, Dr. David Livingston, brought promise of hope and victory under the loving light of Jesus for the people. He envisioned for them, physical, mental and spiritual healing. He established many hospitals and churches. He worked to put an end to the slave trade.

He encouraged and challenged people to follow the untrodden path. He relied on the love and the healing ministry of Jesus.  Many followed the love of Jesus seen in this man's noble ministry.  

The people have seen a great light, the light of Lord Jesus Christ.  When the light flashes, the deadly creatures scatter away. When Jesus enters into our lives, there is no place for any dark domain. The flow of oxygen is less during the night and so the sickness increases.  But when the light of Jesus enters there is life and health.  All darkness, that brought failure and sorrow in sinful bondage with stunted growth, will fade away.  

Shall we  commit ourselves into the Lord's hand.

Isaiah 60 : 1 - 3

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.

See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.

Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Prayer

Loving Lord, May your light shine upon us and so the power of darkness that destroys  our growth will be removed from us.  In the Holy name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Amen!

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