Being light
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
Jesus shared these powerful words of “being light” with His disciples during the Feast of Tabernacles. This annual celebration was full of lights, a commemoration of how God's Light led the Israelites through the desert to the Promised Land. The Jews gathered yearly to remember how God protected the Israelites during the day with a pillar of cloud and guided them with a flame of fire during the night. This celebration reminded them of their ancestors' experiences and provided a way to share them with future generations.
My son, Aaron, will be traveling to Honduras this June. He will experience what it was like for me growing up in a remote place. He will see for himself what it is like to start from nothing. However, I want him to dig deeper than that. I want him to connect the dots for himself and see it through God's eyes, lovingly showing us His faithfulness and grace.
Personally, it's so easy to lose focus on what God has done in my life, especially since my circumstances have changed so much. For example, I had many childhood worries that I no longer need to consider. I no longer worry about when my next meal will be. The idea of getting stung by a scorpion during the night, causing my throat to close, has long since passed. I haven't thought about getting carried away by the river current for years. Circumstances have changed, and so has my focus.
During Women's Bible Study, I asked the women for their prayer requests, and they asked me the same. My only response was, “I need help with camp!” One giggled and said, "I told you last year I would help you out this year!" We all laughed at how quickly God had answered my prayer! One affirmed, "God already knows your need; he's just waiting for you to ask." It is as simple as that.
The Feast of Tabernacles lasted seven days to commemorate the Hebrew people’s experiences in the wilderness. To celebrate it at a deeper level, God had the people gather from all over the country and make shelters to live in like their ancestors had done in the desert. They carried buckets of water from the river of Siloam and splashed the altar as a reminder of how God provided their ancestors with water in the desert. All these re-enactments took place as a reminder of God's faithfulness, protection, and grace.
I have many stories of how God miraculously provided for me and my family; how God has shown up in His ministry. I have vivid and precious memories of when God encouraged me in different stages of my life. During difficult circumstances, the Lord let me refocus on who He is and my identity in Christ. He affirmed my calling to ministry. It's only through looking back that I get to live and enjoy the present and be encouraged for the future.
I want the same life and faith-affirming experiences for my son as he travels this year to Honduras. I want him to acknowledge the power of God to lead and redeem our lives just as He has done in my life. I am excited for him to see how people in Honduras live and to show him how life looked for me as a child. I hope he can realize God's faithfulness to me through the years by being there. My prayer is that God changes his heart and he can become sensitive to those less fortunate.
Reflecting on how God has led through the years, I am humbled by my experiences. I, too, need to remember all the times God has been there for me, just like the Israelites. I admit I don't like to think of them often. Sometimes this is because my circumstances today are so different. Sometimes it's because I can reflect on hard times and see my rebellion and complaining when I should have approached the challenge positively. Sometimes I forget. But I do need to take time to remember God's faithfulness. For the Israelites, remembering the past pointed people back to their history. It connected their past with their present, creating anticipation for future hope. Remembering my past can do the same and help me remember that my actions and attitude give God the glory He deserves.
What is an event or a celebration that reminds you of God’s faithfulness in your life?
I challenge you to pick a day and remember all the things God has done for you and celebrate it. Please share with a friend, a family member, or others who will benefit by you sharing your hope and faith with them.
I pray this summer you can look back and be reminded of God's faithfulness to the Israelites and that He will be with you and through you as you shine your light by expressing His love and sharing your faith.
Serving Him together,
Grimelda Sanchez
Associate Pastor