One of my favourite jokes is the warning a fellow gave to another to be careful of the light at the end of the tunnel as it could be the light belonging to an oncoming train.
Light for some is not always a good thing. It can be blinding, its brightness can be overbearing and overwhelming.
There is a statement of truth asserted by one of the apostles appointed by Jesus. That statement tells us that we were in a position/situation and have been taken to a new position/situation.
You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (Peter in his first letter)
Recipients of the love of Jesus and active participants in that love relationship acknowledge where they were. In the beginning there was darkness and God’s first act was to let there be light. He looked at the light. The light was good. There was a clear distinction between the dark and the light. God called us out of darkness. That’s where we were. For all that can be said about where we were, it could not be described as good. Sure, it can be described as what we’ve always known. It can be described as what we became accustomed to. It can be described as just the way things are and the status quo. It cannot however be described as good. So to be called from there is significant in itself.
The greater deal, however is what we’re called into. This light is marvellous. This light is wonderful. This light is good. Just consider that again – the wonderful light – his wonderful light. A light that’s full of wonder. Imagine spending life in a plain of wonder. No time, no room, no possibility of ever being bereft of the experience of wonder. Even in what appears mundane to some, the knowledge of the new location we find because of the call of God brings about that sense of wonder. Consider life in the light. Consider life in his light. Consider it and the wonder is inevitable.
It’s no surprise in acknowledging this new reality that praises should be the norm – praises to others of the God who has called us to live in this new place. What a wonderful thing to be called to live in wonderful light by the God of all wonders.
We won’t even have to worry about looking for a light at the end of a tunnel. We can be glad that we no longer live in the tunnel.
(Photo by Steve Halama on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 