THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 1:76-80
“To shine on those living in darkness…” (Luke 1:79)
I like these words, they describe how I see my own calling.
To bring hope to those in despair, life to those who are dying.
Everyday I see people living without hope, without peace.
And not just the poor and destitute, even wealthy successful people.
Life without God is life without hope, without peace, without direction.
It really is “meaningless, a chasing of the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14)
Zechariah describes John as a prophet, one who points people towards God.
As followers of Jesus, we are also called to point people to God.
And to Jesus, God’s “salvation through the forgiveness of sins” (v.77).
People need to know this, they need someone to point them.
My job is not to condemn or criticize, but to point to Jesus.
By my words and actions, people in the dark need to see light.
Is this what people experience when they meet me, or hear me speak?
Does my presence with others inspire hope, peace, love, joy?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I want to be a messenger for You… for hope, peace, love and joy. May people not feel darker after being with me, and hearing me speak!
Calling.
John was called.
I too am called to be a servant of the King.
John’s task was to prepare the way for the Lord.
My task is to LightShine,
Shine for the hope I have in my Saviour so others may see Christ in me.
How do the people read me?
I need to be a living letter for all who ‘read’ me
for the hope I have to live each day for Him.
Remember the song of
This little light of mine?
My prayer is that others may see that I do not live for myself
but I live for Him who is my strength, my joy, my song.
Living for Jesus a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy [redemption],*
Didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master,
My heart shall be Thy throne,
My life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ, for Thee alone.
2
Living for Jesus who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.
3
Living for Jesus wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.
4
Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.