THE CHILDREN'S BRIGHTNESS

On the rare occasions when the sun is in full eclipse, observers may glimpse through the darkness the majestic beauty of its 'corona', or crown of flame, which can never be seen at any other time. This reminds us that when Jesus, obedient unto death, was crucified, there shone for those who had eyes to behold it a glory unique to time and eternity. And in our small measure, in accepting for the Lord's sake the will of God, there can be a brightness which heaven can see and which is a light shining in a dark world.

Even a very small light can prove a protection to others. One dark wartime night, cycling with scarcely any light, I was saved from riding into a high bank of earth by the shining of a number of glow-worms. The darker the surroundings the more brightly do these remarkable creatures shine, for they have light-bearing bodies. Ordinarily, however, if there is to be light seen from outside there must be something burning inside. That is why John the baptist was described by the Lord Jesus as a "burning and shining light". If we are to be bright witnesses we must know our hearts aglow within us as with the two travellers to whom Jesus unfolded the things concerning Himself.

As the natural eye is a lamp to the whole body so the 'eyes of our hearts', if simple, let in the heavenly light of God's world. Only thus may we be guided in the way that is pleasing to God and shine for the benefit of others. Light can grow. Scripture speaks of it being sown, like seed, for the righteous person. Then it also breaks forth, like the seed taking root downward and shooting upward. After this the progress can be observed by others by its breaking surface and springing up. Finally the fruit of the light is seen in the believer in goodness and righteousness and truth. This is a steady inward process in the Christian. How far has it reached with you?

J.C.Evershed