Read Isaiah 49:1-7. In verse 6 we read, “I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Using the prophet as a light-bearer is a powerful image because we all know what it’s like to be in the dark. In the dark, we can’t see where to take the next step and it’s hard to find our way. When the light of God shines into our darkness, though, it is more than just about sight. It is about recognizing and rejoicing in God’s active role in delivering and redeeming us, in breaking the yoke of the people or ideas that weigh heavily on us.
What darkness do you see in the world or in your life right now? How might the light of God dawn on these situations?
Today, offer these situations to God in prayer.
Read Psalm 27:1, 4-9. In this reading, the psalmist expresses confidence in God’s light, salvation, and protection. They imagine God’s protection as a tent set high upon a rock. Rather than cower, immobilized by fear, though, they set about rejoicing and singing God’s praise with thanksgiving.
How do you behave when you are afraid? Do you hunker down and lay low? Do you bury your head in the sand? Do you lash out and cast blame? How might rejoicing in the promise of God’s protection change your reaction to fearful times?
Today, offer a prayer of praise and thanksgiving for the safe haven that God provides.
Read 1 Corinthians 1:10-18. Here, we find a church in conflict, splitting into factions. Imagine that! But Paul reminds the Christians in the Corinthian church that they must remember who it is that brings them together, who they have in common: Jesus Christ. It seems the main split in this church centers on authority. Some are devoted to one apostle or another, and others to Jesus, as if Jesus is no higher than any other leader in the church.
The issue of authority often underlies the divisions within our own churches. Think about those times when a beloved, long-serving pastor leaves. Almost without fail, there is difficulty between those who insist on loyalty to the previous leader and those who are ready to embrace something new. In this reading, Paul reminds us that no matter who is standing up front, our common purpose is being transformed by and sharing the gospel message.
What issues have plagued the local church in the past? What issues do you see today? To what degree does the question of authority play into these issues? How would deferring to the teaching and example of Jesus contribute to a meaningful resolution? In what ways can you be a unifier or a peacemaker?
Pray for unity in our local and global church, in our nation and our world.
Read Matthew 4:12-23. Matthew loves connecting the dots between Jesus and the ancient prophecies. Here, Matthew asserts it is Jesus who is the Light, Jesus who calls us to follow him, Jesus who proclaims good news to all people, and Jesus who brings healing. As Jesus walked the shores of the Sea of Galilee, he met people where they were, going about their daily lives, and called them to follow.
It seems that sometimes, we only expect Jesus to come calling when we have set aside special time for him: during a worship service or during our designated prayer and devotion time. But Jesus has a habit of showing up when we least expect him: in our everyday interactions, in chance encounters, in opportunities to offer help or a steady shoulder or a listening ear.
Today, take an inventory of when Jesus might have been calling you to follow him over the past few days. Like the disciples, did you ‘drop your nets’ and follow? Did you ignore the call or decide to take a rain check? Offer a prayer of confession for those times when you have not answered Jesus’ call and thank him that he just keeps on showing up.