A Light to the Nations

In Isaiah 49, (included in this Old Testament reading for January 16), the Lord tells the the servant that “I will give you as a light to the nations, so that my salvation might reach to the end of the earth.” What challenge does this text offer us? How do we become light to the nations?

In a dark and cold world, light is a powerful force. Much of our literature portrays light in a positive way. I think on a poem by Helge Stangnes, who writes

Come, let us light small lights for one another;

fires to ward off night in a wintry world

(Quoted in ‘The Nordic Light’, Natur Og Kultureforlaget As)

The call to us to be “light to the nations” is a call to be a positive force in a dark and dreary world. It is a call to spread God’s word of saving grace to people near and far. It is a command to show a different way, a way of light, in a world that is dominated by greed, self-interest and evil.

What are ways that you could be a light to the nations? It may seem overwhelming to deal with the problems we see around us. But is there a way that you could light just one candle, brightening someone else’s life and making a difference. Is there a way that you could bring the light of Christ into someone else’s life?

Prayer:

Lord, you call us to the difficult task of being a light to the nations. Guide us and lead us in lighting even one candle to brighten the darkness. Amen