SCRIPTURE: Exodus 11
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
(Read my reflection from 2008)
The LORD made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and Moses himself was highly regarded in Egypt by Pharaoh’s officials and by the people. [Exodus 11:3]
This is quite something, how the Lord could cause all of these plagues against the Egyptians, and yet they are favorably disposed toward the Israelites – enough to give them their treasures.
God’s followers are oppressed, persecuted, mistreated, and yet people are drawn to them.
In the early church this happened too, where people were favorably disposed to the many Christians who were persecuted and martyred, and many became believers themselves.
The persecution of believers does not weaken the movement, it makes it stronger.
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. [Matthew 5:14-16]
We are to live in a way that even though we are mistreated, people still sense something good in us.
God will protect His light from going out; even if someone threatens to cover it up, He will allow it to shine out in other ways.
I think of the church in China, which the communist revolution attempted to snuff out, and which is burning brightly still today.
In China, many people are favorably disposed to these Christians, and are attracted to the faith that perseveres despite trials.
The Apostle Peter urges the same thing for believers when they were persecuted.
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. [1 Peter 2:12]
God is able to take my life, and use it for His glory.
By His Spirit, and my willing heart, He can produce a life of patience, generosity, forgiveness, kindness, humility, etc., that will make other people notice.
This is how we need to live and work in our community where God has placed us.
If we make it our goal to “live such good lives among the pagans”, He will make them favourably disposed to us, He will make sure His light in us does not go out.
Even if we are persecuted, His light will shine, and people will see it!
PRAYER:
Lord, You are the Light of the world, I am but the reflection of Your light. Help me to make the effort to reflect Your light (love, grace, humility, etc.) where You have placed me.