Clergy view

One often wonders if that which they write and speak will make a difference in a person's life. Will it turn the light on, so to speak, for some soul that has been foundering in the darkness of life? Today I want to speak about that issue of turning on the light.

Sometimes we get so tied up in the things of life we fail to see God's light shining in. Sometimes the darkness of life seems so ominous we cannot see any light. But have you ever been in a setting that is, literally, so dark you cannot see your hand in front of your face and had someone light a candle there? When the candle is lit it becomes a flash of brilliant light, a shining beacon. Then, as your eyes adjust to the light, you can see things that a few moments earlier were not visible to you.

I am Torger P. Johnson. I spent the early years of my life in Cass Lake. In that time I can recall many times of seeing the Light of life. But I also recall many times of missing the light. By God's grace, when I moved to Iowa many years ago, God opened my eyes. I saw the True Light that illuminates the world, the light of Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. I have been blessed to be serving the Lord for many years now. And I rejoice that in those years of service, I have seen the Light many times. But I also admit that I have missed the light many times.

That's the way it is in our lives also. We, because of sin, live in a darkened world. We fail to see things that are right there in front of us. Then a Light shines into our darkness, sometimes as a flash of brilliance, other times as the first light in the dawning of a new day. That, my friends, is grace. And that is what God is all about: shining the Light of Grace upon us all.

Jesus said, "I am the Light of the world." We also said to his disciples, "You are the light of the world." So we become candles, lit by God's amazing grace, to shine into this sin-darkened world.

Have you been lit by God's grace? Are you ablaze for the Savior? I am blessed to be back here in Minnesota serving a church in Baxter three-quarters time, and at Grace in Pequot Lakes a quarter time. A great blessing comes in the name of the church I serve here in Baxter, "Light of the Lakes." Some of you who read this know the Light at Light of the Lakes was lit about six years ago. In that time the light has sputtered some. But I assure you it is now shining brightly into the darkness of this world. And by God's grace it will continue to grow brighter and brighter.

How about you and your church? Are you shining brightly? Remember, if you claim the name of Jesus, "You are the light of the world!" We are given no options, no choice in the matter. We are the light of Jesus in the world. As we approach our holiday seasons steeped in the Grace of God, remember to let our light shine, that others might see the light of Christ shining into their darkness, so others' candles can be lit as well.

Shine on for Jesus.