Douglas Young

I am the light of the world. Jesus. John 8:12

Jesus uttered these words shortly after the feast of tabernacles, a Jewish high holy day commemorating Israel’s dwelling in tents at Kadesh-Barnea. During tabernacles, oil lamps were set up all over the city. The Mishnah suggests that the lights radiated throughout the entirety of Jerusalem. The holy hill was lit up for all to see and remember.

I am the light of the world. Jesus was sending a message. Tabernacles was his backdrop, but he was the focus. He was the light of the world. Oil lamps couldn’t light up a covenant people like he could. Oil lamps couldn’t light up a covenant people like he would.

John had earlier penned, “The true light, which enlightens everyone,  was coming into the world” (John 1:9). Jesus enlightens. Jesus illuminates. His presence overcomes darkness, for he is the light of the world.

I’ve got one more week left in my first class as a student in ACU’s MACRR program and I’m ready for a break. It’s not been easy juggling ministry, family, and school. I’m getting used to it though. I have a newfound respect for those who do it well.

This program has restored in me the hope of fulfilling God’s mission. Ministry is about reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19), but reconciliation hasn’t always been my ministry. That’s unfortunate, given what I’ve been doing the last 10 years.

Blessed are the peacemakers…Matthew 5:9.

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22.

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14

And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:18.

These passages haven’t always been central to my life or my ministry. But God is at work- ever so slightly and at times quite abruptly- realigning, reorienting and renewing His mission in my life. He’s been extremely patient, and for that I am immensely thankful.

If peacemaking hasn’t been your forte, it’s not too late!

We should give thanks on more than a single day noted by a calendar, the government, and our employers. Why? God would have us to give thanks daily, in all circumstances, not just on a consecrated day (1 Thessalonians 5:18). But there is also more to it than that…

If we save all our thanks for a single day, and when that day comes tragedy hits a family member or loved one, so much for your day of  “Thanksgiving.” I say this because last week it was hard to have the kind of Thanksgiving we wanted to. It was hard to laugh, have fun, and joke around with each other when you know that your own family members are mourning the loss of friend.

Tragedy struck a George West, TX, family on Thanksgiving morning. A father and mother lost their 19-year old son. Friends lost a friend. All we could do was give thanks for the very lives we possess, but that doesn’t do much for the hurting. In fact, it probably pretty pathetic. It’s tantamount to saying, “At least we’re not dead!” Sure, we should appreciate the life God has given us, but in the face of tragedy isn’t the time to revel in it.

Thanksgiving is more than a day. I appreciate those who speak of life as Thanks-living. In fact, Justin Gerhardt cited this very thought here. Such ones don’t simply give thanks on a Thursday in late November. They understand that thankfulness is an art set aside for each and every day. That way, when the unexpected happens, their “day” of “thanks” isn’t lost.

I am glad we were there with family on Thursday. I am glad I could hug and console a niece who was hurting. I am glad that doors were opened up to discuss things that matter most in life. My day wasn’t shot because I’ve learned, though I’ve not yet mastered, that we should give thanks more than one day a year.