(Part 1 can be found HERE)

Jesus came over 2,000 years ago as the Light of the world. As Jesus is identified as the “light of the world,” it was truly a light that was to illuminate the entire world with the knowledge of God and His redemptive love. It was meant to shine not only in our hearts, but it was intended to dispel the darkness in Africa, Asia, and the uttermost parts of the earth. Since it was more than 2,000 years ago when that Light came; why does darkness still cover the earth? It is sad that most of the world is still in spiritual darkness.

So, what is darkness? It is simply the absence of light. If Jesus is the light of the world, then where there is no knowledge of Jesus, the people are in darkness. This is not something that we have made up as Christians to put us above others. It was Jesus himself who said in John 8:12:

I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

In John 12:46 he said:

I am come as a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

Can you imagine living your life in the dark? One new believer in a foreign country explained it this way: When you are born in the dark and live your entire life in darkness, you don’t even know what light is.

That is so true for most of the people in the world. Many believe in millions of gods, worship idols and live in fear and desperation to appease the spirits lest they be harmed or punished. There is no love, no peace, no assurance, no praise, nothing but darkness in most people. Multitudes are following the rituals of traditional religions in Latin America, secular humanism in Europe, and who are in bondage to animistic fetishes, witchdoctors and superstitions in Africa are all dwelling in darkness. Why is this true? Is it because they have chosen the hopelessness and futility that leads to death?  No! It is simply because of the absence of light – the absence of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 5:14-16 says:

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

It would be a total distortion to say that the missionaries are the ones who have the responsibility of taking the light to a world in darkness, when all of us who have come to the Light and know Jesus have the same, equal responsibility. There is darkness all around us in people that do not yet know Christ as their Savior.

Missionaries are the ones God has called to leave their comfort zones, the warmth and support of their church where there is an abundance of light, to go to the dark corners of the world. They are going to Russia and Central Asia where communism and humanism and atheism have kept people in darkness for centuries. They are going to plant their lives to light a candle in the midst of the darkness in Sri Lanka, the Middle East, the African continent and Latin America. Some go to western Europe, a continent that once knew the light, but the light has grown so dim and is struggling in the shadows of lostness.

While they go to penetrate the darkness that is so widespread, we have obligations back here on the home front. First: We must shine the light right here. The light that shines farthest, shines brightest at home. We have work to do to reach people here who are in the dark. Second: We must keep sending power to those who go to the deepest, darkest parts of the world. We do this through prayer. There are dangers, strong enemies, struggles and discouragement. We also do this by giving. Both praying and giving keep the light shining strong and bright. Third: We must go help in the darkness when God calls us to go. We can’t delay and debate with God. We must go and show them the way! Just as we have seen the way, the truth, and the life. There are so many needy places – places of wonderful opportunities.

Remember Philippians 3:13:

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do,

Notice he says, “…this one thing I do….”

It was a decision that was a turning point in D.L. Moody’s life. Before the tragedy of the Chicago fire in 1871, Mr. Moody was involved in Sunday School promotion, Y.M.C.A. work, evangelistic meetings, and many other activities; but after the fire, he determined to devote himself exclusively to evangelism.

“This one thing I do!” became a reality to him. As a result, millions of people heard the Gospel.

I challenge you this next year to at least do this one thing – be a witness for God – around the corner and around the world. Without the light of Christ shining through us, unbelieving neighbors and co-workers will stumble in their search for peace, meaning in life and forgiveness of sins. Without us giving so the light goes around the world multitudes searching for truth will never find it and new missionaries will struggle to go or be delayed. We can’t delay. Lives are in the balance.

Jon Konnerup