Night lights

Every night when it comes time for Matthew to go to bed, he walks over and turns on his night light. It provides a little light in the middle of a dark room. It provides comfort and assurance. It let's him know that he can see if anything or anyone is in the room. It helps him see if he wakes up in the middle of the night. It keeps dark things at a distance.

It's not all that much different when we get older. We walk under the street lights. We look forward to the porch light being on when we get home. We are more comfortable walking into our house at night when there is a light on.

Light. Dark.

Good. Evil.

As he announced the birth of Jesus, Zechariah spoke these words...

Because of God’s tender mercy,
      the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
      and to guide us to the path of peace. (Luke 1:78-79)

The morning light of heaven did indeed break upon us. This Light walked among us. This Light did give light to those sitting in darkness and the shadow of death.

The woman caught in adultery had another chance.

The blind man regained his sight.

The dead found new life.

This week I witnessed the shadow of death. I followed news reports of an athlete gunned down in his own home. Just as he was turning his life around, it was taken from him.

I also dealt with death closer to home as a teenager who used to be a part of the Rochester faith community was killed in a car accident. While I never knew this young lady, her death has significantly impacted some of the families at our church.

Why do these things happen? Why do good people experience death and suffering?

While I don't understand everything that happens in this world and can't answer those questions completely, I do know one thing. God calls us to be a "light from heaven" that "gives light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death."

We don't have to understand all of the "whys" to know the "how." Regardless of why people are killed or suffer or experience pain, we are often the "how" that God uses to bring healing to these situations.

It's OK to ask the why questions. There is nothing wrong with questioning God in these moments. But at the same time, we must strive to bring light to times of darkness. In the midst of questions and struggle, we should offer a hand of compassion.

When darkness seems to rule the day, we can be the night light that provides comfort and assurance for those who are hurting.

shine!
Jason