ARISE AND SHINE

ARISE AND SHINE “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness sh...

ARISE AND SHINE

“Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see: They all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be nursed at your side. Then you shall see and become radiant, and your heart shall swell with joy; because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you.” Isa. 60:1-5

It is high time that all of us did arise. We have been loved by our God from all eternity, predestined for everlasting life, bought with the precious Blood of Jesus, helped by the Spirit of God, and indwelt by Him, it is, indeed time that we did something worthy of our pedigree, something worthy of the price with which we have been bought, something worthy of the love which set us apart onto itself before the world was. Three things become apparent from our text. Firstly we are reminded of our privilege, “your light has come.” Secondly, we are to awaken to our service, “Arise shine.” Thirdly, we are to rally to work, “For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth.”

Remember, first, out of what darkness that Light of God has delivered you: the darkness of sin, the darkness of spiritual ignorance, the darkness of distress and despair and the darkness of spiritual death. You are in the Light of God, His Own Glory. Once you have received the light of the Glory of God, you are to awaken to service. You are bound to shine and show the light you have received. Shine by holy cheerfulness for we have been forgiven and we are God’s children. Shine by a gracious

godliness. Christians ought to shine by their lives thereby bringing glory to God. Shine by zealous earnestness. May you go into your Master’s service with all your might and may the Spirit of God rest upon

everyone far more abundantly than in the past. Shine by bravery. Many Christians might do so much for Christ if only they had a little courage. If you have ever felt that you ought to do something for your Lord, and yet have never begun to do it, begin at once! If you have the Light of God, emit it, distribute it and promote the everlasting Gospel wherever you have the opportunity. Arise, shine; for darkness covers the earth.

Shine because of the great results that will surely come of it. If all Christians were to shine, then unbelievers would speed to the Light of God, kings to the brightness of the rising, then from all lands would converts come and the Church of God would be multiplied beyond all count. We often keep from work for Christ because we despair of its success; we are afraid that effort will be useless. Doubt no more for He that bids you to sow intends to give a harvest and He will bless your sowing if you will but sow in faith. Shine for your light shall be seen; shine for your light shall be useful to save lives and useful to direct others home, shine because of the good that will come of it to the world.

Shine because of the great blessing that it will bring to the Church, for if all Christians rally to serve God as they should, then shall the Church have the days of her great glory. A shining Church will be a happy Church and will witness great prosperity. Finally, arise, shine and do something to show that God is with us and in us that God Himself may be glorified. Remain blessed!

E. O. Medaiyese, Snr. Pastor.