“The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.” Matthew 4:16 NKJV
Our immediate family gathered after midnight at Cocoa Beach, Florida, looking out at the darkness of the Atlantic Ocean.
A faint light appeared as Planet Earth continued its orbit. Soon the majestic lights of a new day began to dawn. Darkness disappeared as the sunrise continued to come, and the waves of the Atlantic waters glistened. The sandy beach reflected the increasing light. We could see each other and rejoice in the spectacular surroundings. The blackness disappeared, and the darkness was overcome by the light of a brand new day.
Together we praised God, the Creator from the beginning: Light had dawned.
A basic definition of light: “Something that makes vision possible” (Merriam-Webster).
As a passenger flying to speaking engagements across America, it was fascinating to see the sparkling lights from small towns, and even more lights as we were approaching larger city airports, seeing the lights of other airliners on their landing approaches.
The purpose of TTT Christian Youth Ministries continues to help people “see the light.” Everyone, everywhere has been engulfed by the darkness and blackness of sin. Evangelism is the proclamation of the Gospel.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NKJV
Invite them to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31).
Tell every possible person: “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9-10 NKJV
When I was two years old, Pastor “Preach” LeRoy Blackburn led my Dad to personally believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Blackburns remained special friends of our family, and when he accepted a pastorate in Hampton Roads / Newport News, Virginia, they urged my Dad to visit them and endeavor to find employment.
Dad soon got a job in the shipbuilding industry. In the Fall, Dad arranged for my Mother and me to travel by train to Virginia. Shortly after we arrived, the Blackburns took us to watch the launch of the USS Hornet aircraft carrier, the first of many awesome experiences.
Day and night, we would hear and see military aircraft from Langley Air Base. Dad took me with him to visit one of his former classmates from Mt. Carmel, by then a high-ranking Army officer, based at Fort Monroe. One weekend, Dad took Mother and me via ferry to Norfolk. There were sailors everywhere.
Because of the accelerating war in Europe, the area where we lived in Virginia was becoming more and more vulnerable. We celebrated Christmas there through the Blackburns’ hospitality, but were very homesick for family so far away back in the Tri-state.
In January 1941, Dad determined to move us back to Mt. Carmel, Illinois. When the announcement was made that a shipyard was being built at Evansville, Dad applied for a job there. His application indicated that he had worked in the shipyard in Virginia, and he was told, “You’re the only person who has applied here who has even seen a shipyard.”
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” Matthew 5:14-15 NKJV
Coming home from church and having dinner together on Sunday, December 7, 1941, we heard the news on radio that Pearl Harbor had been bombed.
Everything changed from that moment. But as active participants in a Bible-believing congregation, we took advantage of every opportunity to share the Gospel with servicemen being trained as twin-engine pilots, glider pilots, and Army Air Corps personnel at nearby George Field, between Lawrenceville, Illinois and Vincennes, Indiana.
Though World War II is now history, war clouds continue to gather worldwide, but for every person everywhere: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 NKJV
Jesus said: “I am the Light of the world.”
Have you seen the Light personally? Will you share Jesus’ words: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 NKJV
Have you made the personal decision to “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ? Will you help people see the great Light?