Week 5 - When the world gets dark
Matthew 5:14-16
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
A few years ago in South Africa, we had rolling electricity blackouts and had up to 6 hours a day load shedding at its worst (stage 3). At one point, an unprecedented “stage 4” load shedding was indicated on the schedule - there wasn’t even a timetable to indicate when load shedding would be, that’s how extremely extraordinary it was. It got me thinking about what would happen if suddenly our church or family were “shut down” or “removed” from the world. In other words, if the spiritual “power” went “out” in our community, would anyone notice?
As we hit Covid-19, it struck me again as to how unprecedented and extreme the situation was that we didn’t even have a “timetable” for what we are facing. Much debate arises whether lockdown was too fast or too extreme, what the economic consequences will be and how to “phase out” of lockdown.
Suddenly the reality of being shut down and isolated in the midst of a catastrophic world event that sets panic mode into people arrived and with it the real test of our Christian Faith, the real question to our existence - how much “power” are you generating for communities? Are they “dependant” on you or do you actually make no impact or difference in their lives?
Sadly, many Christians can be very insular and judgemental, enclosing themselves into their worlds, building a tower of defence instead of a tower of refuge. Love for themselves and their rights are placed above selfless love and service. Stepping into the world to love other people who may not know Jesus can be uncomfortable. It may mean leaving the ninety-nine and going after the one. Sometimes a lonely journey.
How is it that when we were still “sinners” our Holy, Pure, Spotless, Perfect God, came into an unholy, impure, imperfect, idolatress world and sacrificed Himself for us? As Paul says, “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” (1 Cor 9:19-23) So much sacrifice for the HOPE that some would enter into a loving relationship with Him. When did we last make a huge sacrifice for someone not knowing if they would even appreciate it, at the expense of our comfort, reputation or image?
What a tough job we have. Jesus was known as the friend of “sinners” (Luke 7:34). So much so, that the church leadership of the day could not accept him as their Messiah. He did not fit the polished, clean image that they expected and so discredited, undermined and eventually killed the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. How much of Christ’s people and work are we discrediting, undermining and, yes, killing, because our mindset has an “image” of what God’s work should look like and, if it doesn’t “fit the mould”, we reject it?
Our challenge as Christians is to love, be the Good Samaritan, be the light in a dark and dying world, get our feet dirty so that others may get cleaned. May we be the ones people run to in a time of need. Be the light, keep The Power switched on!
If you’re looking for ways to bless others during this pandemic, why not join our crisis response, Love Your Neighbour, and be a part of bringing light to our community.