God's light to the world

On several occasions I have heard this story that carries great application in our lives today. I wish I could remember who I heard it from so I could give proper credit. But the story is about how a young boy, when he was 9 years old, was sitting in his father’s workshop one day, watching his dad make and repair leather harnesses. Little Louis said to his dad, “One of these days I want to be a harness-maker, just like you.” Suggesting he start now, Louis’ dad took a piece of leather and drew a design on it. He stated, “Now, take this hole-punch and hammer out this design, but be careful that you do not hit your hand.” What was about to happen would forever change the life of Louis and his family. Louis was excited and began to work, but when he hit the hole-punch it flew out of his hand and pierced his eye. He immediately lost his sight in that eye. Later, and as predicted, sight in his other eye would eventually fail. So, by age 11, Louis was totally blind.

A few years later, Louis was sitting in the family garden when he found a pinecone. As he ran his sensitive fingers over the cone, an idea came to him. He became enthusiastic and began to create an alphabet of raised dots on paper so that the blind could feel and interpret. Thus Louis Braille in 1818 opened up a whole new world for the blind.

Likewise, our wonderful Creator has opened a whole new world for those who are spiritually blind---those who are in darkness. God has provided the world with the perfect light in Jesus Christ.

John's gospel account tells us:

In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it--John 1:5.

In v.9, we read:

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

The Apostle Paul stated it like this:

Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins--Colossians 1:12-14.

In discussing the same concept, Peter stated:

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light--1 Peter 2:9.

Also, 1 John 1:7 encourages us to remain in that light so that our sins will be cleansed by Christ's blood.

The glorious and wonderful news of the gospel is that we do not have to live in darkness. A light is made available to us through God’s grace. And we have the privilege of responding to this good news through our faith and obedience to the gospel (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16). Let us also not only tell others in a tactful and loving manner about this wonderful new world of light, but let us actually live it and demonstrate it through our example (Matthew 5:16).

Have a great day!