During these dark days of “Lockdown” when so many have lost their lives, and so many mourn their passing, we take “hope” in the words of Jesus when he said “I am the light of the world”. He that follows me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life – John 1 v4. In Jesus was life and the life was the light of men and women.

Matthew 5 v16 shows us that we possess the knowledge of Eternal Life, Jesus tells us “let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven”.

Matthew 5 v14 and 15 tells us quite powerfully that “you are the light of the world”. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

V15 Neither do men Light a candle and put it under a bushel but on a candle stick and it gives light unto all that are in the house”.

2 Peter 1 v19 Light shining in a dark place. Jesus is the light/dark place (our hearts), day dawn (Christ in our hearts)/day star arise (Jesus in our understanding).

Isaiah 58 v8 tells us that a time will come “when thy light breaks forth as the morning and thine health shall spring forth speedily and thy righteousness shall go before thee, the glory of the Lord shall be thy re ward.

But before this time many things possibly have to be endured. The apostle, Paul, in Acts 16 v12 in Philippi, here smeets with Lydia.

Acts 16 v22 Magistrates commanded Paul and Silas to be whipped and thrust into the inner prison feet fast in stocks. At midnight they came around and sang praises to God and the prisoners heard them. So here in this stinking cold prison, pitch dark/not able to lie down/backs cut and bleeding. They sing to God.

V26 tells us a great earthquake shook the prison, all bands loosed, doors open. The prison guard seeing the situation, drew his sword so to kill himself.

V28 Paul stops him.

V30 This man asks “Sirs what must I do to be saved?”

V33 Paul preaches Jesus. The man and his family believe and are baptised.

So Paul and Silas were sent specifically for this one man and his family.

Paul writes to exhort Timothy, 2 Timothy 4 v2 to preach in season and out of season.

Exhort with all long suffering (pain and suffering) to the end we glorify God.

Righteousness: By Faith in Jesus Christ Romans 3 v22.

Romans 5 v18 Righteousness “free gift” to us through Jesus and so we look forward to that time when we shall all join together and sing Hymn 294 “Hail to the brightness of Zion’s glad morning”.

JD