At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.

  - 1 John 2.8

Do Thou, Christ, deign to kindle our lamps, our Saviour most sweet to us, that they may shine continually in Thy temple, and receive perpetual light from Thee the Light perpetual, so that our darkness may be enlightened, and yet the world’s darkness may be driven from us.

  - Columbanus, Sermon XII, Irish, 7th century

The darkness is passing away?

Some of us may have a hard time believing that statement, but that’s only because we don’t have a large enough perspective to see the field of reality and the course of history the way God does.

When the Light of Jesus Christ burst to life from that garden tomb, a power for progressive righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit was unleashed on the earth, a power nothing has ever been able to stop, nor ever will (Rom. 14.17, 18; Dan. 2.44, 45; Is. 9.6, 7).

Even from his exile on the Island of Patmos, John could see that the forces of darkness were doomed. Jesus, ruling at the Father’s right hand, is turning His glorious Light on the darkness everywhere, and the darkness is in careening retreat.

Undoubtedly you can see this in your own life. The coming of Christ into your soul began a work of light-bringing that has brought about many changes in your outlook, attitudes, priorities, and practices. The work is not complete, of course, nor will it ever be in this life.

But if we truly know Jesus and have His Spirit dwelling in us, there will be evidence of the darkness decamping our souls and lives. To which we say, “Good riddance.”

And you can see it as well in your Personal Mission Field, as you bring the light of hope, righteousness, peace, and joy to the people to whom God sends you each day.

We are a microcosm of the world. The darkness of sin, unbelief, and the fear of death has been steadily receding in the world since that resurrection morning, and it will continue to pass away until the Lord Jesus comes in all His brilliant glory to destroy the darkness once and for all.

Our calling is to receive the Light and to shine it on others: “This little light of mine...” As we do, we become powerful forces in the hand of the Lord, as He continues the work of humbling the devil and lighting up the enemy’s formerly gloomy domain with beauty, goodness, and truth.

Look at the world through God’s eyes. See the Light He is shining in you and through you into your Personal Mission Field. Then multiply that by millions like yourself.

Yes, friends, the darkness is unable to resist such Light. Let it shine – in and through you – and watch what God can do.

Psalm 9.11-13 (Diademata: “Crown Him with Many Crowns”)
Praise then the Lord of Zion, declare His deeds abroad!
Praise Judah’s mighty saving Lion, the ever-blessèd God!
His blood has washed us clean; He hears our plaintive cries,
He good to us has ever been and lifts us to the skies!

Lord, if I really believe that you are rolling back the darkness, then I should be earnest and eager for deeds of light. Help me, Lord.

“…I’m gonna let it shine!”
So, where is your Personal Mission Field? This concept is fundamental to true Christian faith: “As the Father has sent Me” – to a particular place, time, and people – “so I am sending you” (Jn. 20.21). Jesus is sending us, day after day after day. Are we going? Do we even know where He’s sending us? And do we “lift up our eyes” each day to see the people in darkness, who need the warmth of Jesus’ life-giving Light (Jn. 4.35)? If you have not yet mapped out your Personal Mission Field, download the worksheet here, and get started. If you need help, drop me a line. One of our Members can help you complete this important task. And if you’ll send a gift in any amount to The Fellowship of Ailbe, I’ll send you A Field Guide to Mission, which includes not only the Personal Mission Field worksheet, but three brief books to help you learn how to shine the Light of the Lord into the lives of those to whom you’ve been sent. Use the donate button here, or at the website, or send your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Dr., Essex Junction, VT 05452.

Shine on!

T. M. Moore, Principal
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