A Light Will Shine

I surveyed the horizon from the rooftop. Fireworks of splendid color erupt like a continual roll of thunder echoing across the city. Warm light spills from the house across the street. Candles flicker on door steps and lights drape entire buildings. I couldn't help but smile as a little boy hesitantly tried to light a firecracker on the street and jumped back. After several failed attempts he cautiously approached it and gave it a nudge, as if hoping it would spring into action. It is Diwali, the festival of lights. The jovial activities, specialty food, firecrackers, and store sales are contagious.

In the midst of these celebrations I opened an email that displayed the following map. The “red marks” represent people groups who have not yet heard the Gospel. Statistics show that by 2025 India will pass up China in population. It said that 1 billion people in India don’t follow Jesus and that there are more unreached peoples in this country than any other in the world. 

Darkness. You live in this world. You have seen it.  All you have to do is open a newspaper, walk into a crowded slum, look at it painted on buildings, and hear the chants at a temple. But as the fireworks of Diwali light up sky I'm excited for there is another Light flickering in this darkness - a Light that came into the world to expel darkness forever. 

I have witnessed this Light glistening in the eyes of a young mother as she cuddled her tiny two week old bundle. She is the first one in her family to raise her daughter in the ways of Jesus. The peace and joy bouncing from the boarding school children will warm your heart. They have been through so much – but their laughter rings with hope. Several weeks ago we sat under whispering trees with a small band of Believers as they lifted their voices in a chorus of ‘allelujahs. They clapped their hands and worshiped the One who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light. 

It isn’t easy for these precious new Believers. The pressure of pleasing unhappy family members and the pleasures of religious festivals, like Diwali, are an ongoing challenge. At times there are only a few of these “flickering candles” in their village.  Lets remember to pray for them - that the darker the night, the brighter they will shine!

Will you claim for this nation and yours that: 

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. Isaiah 9:2

You are shining! <><