The Light on the Back Porch

Growing up in Upstate New York brought with it some great experiences and memories. Bike rides to Blueberry Hill, panning for gold, tobogganing in the snow, drives though the mountains during the autumn months, boat outings on the lakes and canals of the area, visits to apple orchards for fresh pressed apple cider, and the list could go on.

Memories of my youth.

Another memory is playing baseball in the backyard with other neighborhood kids. We lived on a 3-acre lot and there was an open field at the back of the property where we had created a baseball diamond.

Saturday’s would come and when our chores were finished, we’d head to the baseball field with gear in hand. After rounding up our friends, a baseball game would get underway.

We would play for hours. We would lose track of time. We were having fun.

Then it would happen. My sister, my brother, or I would see it. The light on the back porch. At that moment, we knew the game was over for us. We’d gather our gear and head home. That porch light brought disappointment to us and to our fellow ball players on many occasions.

My dad had thought up the little system. If we were out and about and saw the porch light on, it was the signal to come home. And it worked well.

That light had meaning. That light contained a message. That light gave direction. That light was a beacon. That light drew us to it.

In our spiritual walk, we too have a light. That light is Jesus. Isaiah told of this great Light in his book. “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2)

John the Baptizer also told of this Light. He testified concerning the Light. “The true Light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” (John 1:6-9)

And when Jesus walked onto the scene, the Light had arrived and He proclaimed it. “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

On another occasion Jesus said, “While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” (John 9:5)

And as Jesus taught the crowds about the Light, He said, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness over takes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put our trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.” (John 12:35-36)

Once we become “sons of light,” we are called to be a light in this world. We are to reflect the Light so that others might see Jesus through us.

Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world. A city 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 men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Our light is to be visible to all we come in contact with…in order to praise God!

Paul shares in 2 Corinthians 4:6 a little about light. “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

Just as God created light in the beginning, He has placed light in our hearts. That light has meaning. That light contains a message. That light gives direction. That light is a beacon. That light draws us to it.

What power we have received! Romans 13:12 also tells us to “put on the armor of light.” We have this power from the Light all around…inside and outside.

So, what are you waiting for? The Light is here! The Light is waiting for you to shine! Don’t keep the Light under a bushel…oh no! I pray that you will “let that little light shine” for all to see and so that God would be glorified.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna