Thursday, July 30, 2009

When all other lights go out



For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 2 Peter 1:16-19
I'm sure you'll remember Frodo making his way through Shelob's lair. If ever there was a dark place that was surely it. What he needs is a light, and not just any light, he needs a light that can cut through the oppressive darkness around him and bring hope and courage to his frightened heart. It is then, when all seems hopeless, that he remembers the voice of Galadriel and reaches for her gift to him. When he holds it up, he calls on the name of Elbereth Gilthoniel, the kindler of the stars.

Our road will certainly take us through dark places, it will even take us through the valley of the shadow of death itself, and what could be darker than that dread road. But when we are in the darkness we would do well to pay attention to the gift we each carry, for we do indeed carry the light of the kindler of the stars.
In him (Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:4,5