Raised to Shine (Part 11)
Gen 47:13 And there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very sore, so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine..
Famine is a type of darkness and we have been called to shine. But how do we shine. We do not shine at the expense of others or by pulling others down. Rather we are like the stars in the sky, we shine and allow others to shine as well. We are not bullies nor do we compel others to notice us. Instead we simply glow and the darkness must recognize our light.
Php 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Other things mentioned by Paul on how Christians are to shine include 1. Our obedience to God is higher and even more in the absence of supervision and any recognition. 2. We are hardworking to guard our salvation and being cautious not to sacrifice our faith in exchange for lucre or medals. 3. We do all things without murmurings and disputing. 4. We live lives that are blameless and harmless to others …we can be trusted in the midst of crookedness and perverseness.
Are we shining in the famine or complaining? Have we done as Paul advises so that we shine as lights in the world? Reflect on these things and remember we are born in Christ to shine. Jesus is the ultimate light of the world …we can also learn of Him and of how He shines.
Song.
The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Like sunshine at noonday His glory shone in;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
No darkness have we who in Jesus abide;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
We walk in the Light when we follow our Guide;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Ye dwellers in darkness, with sinblinded eyes,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Go, wash at His bidding, and light will arise;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
No need of the sunlight in Heaven, we’re told;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
The Lamb is the Light in the city of gold;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Prayer: Lord, You have raised me up for the times of famines. Help me to sow my life … shining in the worst of famines. Amen
The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa
