Matthew 5: 13 - 16 NKJV
I've never thought of myself who would set an example for too many people. Those that know me have more often than not seen a man who would rather go through life quietly than show the way for others to follow. That's just me. However, without realizing it, I have certainly become a person whom others will look to. For this is the way it all too often is with we who have come to that realization of Christ Jesus in them. We are, as Jesus Himself told us, the light of that world around us. As Christ came in the form of man that others might see the Father through Him, so it is with us {Philipians 2:7}. He for who whom all things were created has humbled Himself that others would see the Father who sent Him. Think about it, what better way for our world today to see our heavenly Father than through we who have received the Spirit of His Son? In other words, we ARE Christ Jesus who is in us{Galations 2:20}. Our Lords chosen vesel through which those around us will see the treasure that is our heavenly Father{2 Corinthians 4:7}. Indeed, it is we who light the way in a fallen world. Don't get me wrong, I didn't sign up to be this image, this example...this light. Trust me, I'd rather that others would just read their bibles and come to their own realization of our Lords presence. I've had many a conversation with Dennis about my role as a example to others. That those around me would indeed see Christ through me. Can't others just see God in other people besides me? Of course, but that's not how this works. Indeed, how would those in a fallen world ever know the Father but through those who HAVE known Him? Like it or not, I am a light for others to follow.
20“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who jwill believe in Me through their word; 21“that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22“And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23“I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. 24“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world."
John 17: 20 -24 NKJV
Not too long ago the question was raised among our group of just how those of days of old could ever know God without that scripture which we know so well today. From Adam, Abraham and Moses to the apostle Paul, these men knew and trusted our heavenly Father in their own hearts. How did such men come to know God so well that our Lord would seem so close to them? In reality, so much of what we today know as the bible had yet to be written. Those words of Christ had yet to be spoken. Yet these men came to know their God on a intimate level. Yes, there were times where God communicated with His children personaly, but what about those times when He was silent? We still see these men of faith walking in the Lord. So, what would we do without that scripture which we know today? How would others come to know the Father? Through the light of the world thats how. As those in ancient times know OF God, they did not know of Him personally until Christ arrived to show us the Father. All too often, this is just how God reveals Himself to others. There has been many a time when someone has brought it to my attention that there is something "different" about me, something that they cannot put their finger on. Now, it's often hard for us to pick up on something others may see in us. The first we may hear of such things is when others bring it to our attention. Granted, we may see such things as commonplace and not worthy of attention, but others see it as that light of Christ shining through us. We are, in fact, introducing those around us to our Lord and savior.
14How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bpreach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” 16But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “LORD, who has believed our report?” 17So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10: 14 - 17 NKJV
~Scott~
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