The emergence of light bearers

An indisputable fact of life is that light trumps darkness all the time. So, when people are faced with darkness, their greatest need is light. Yes, that light which shines in darkness, and darkness cannot overcome it. It’s always beautiful scenery when the sun sets behind the mountains, ducking out of sight and when it rises glowingly, emerging on the horizon. One of the blessings of waking before dawn, as Jesus did habitually, is seeing the rays of sunlight pierce through the darkness with greater ease than that with which a sharp steel knife cuts through butter. It is effortless.

The best effort of the darkness to resist the light goes unnoticed every dawn. The solution to darkness is always light. Research is not needed to establish that the prophecy in Isaiah 60, that “the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people,” is already unfolding in some form. The news is full of unpleasant developments, including such occurrences that were unheard of decades ago. Nigeria, for example, is experiencing some of the worst periods in terms of security, economy and national cohesion. The number of extremely poor is rising, and there seems to be no end in sight. Recent tweaks in economic policies have not helped and have, in some cases, worsened the situation.

Indeed, ample light is required to resolve the quagmire of the growing gross darkness. That Isaiah 60 began with a command. “Arise, shine for your light has come.” It is a call for the emergence of the bearers of light, whose light has come and on whom the glory of God has risen. As the darkness deepens, we Christians, like light bulbs in a dark room, should begin to shine because the Lord has flipped the switch by arising over us and causing His glory to appear upon us. As we shine, people will come to our light, and kings to the brightness of our rising. We, who are God’s children, are the light of the world. The growing darkness is a cue for our emergence. So, this is the time to arise and shine. This is the time to emerge from the shadows unto the horizon to serve light, the ultimate solution, to a world groping in darkness.

How does our light come?
The light of God comes to an individual by various means. Let’s look at these three: inspiration, illumination and revelation. The light can come to a man through inspiration. The Bible says there is a spirit in man, and the inspiration of the Almighty gives him understanding. Inspiration hits the soul and opens you up to new possibilities.

God can inspire you with ideas that can help solve complex problems and change the world. So, when God inspires you, he expects you to rise and shine the light that came through that inspiration for the benefit of mankind. The second way the light of God comes to us is through illumination. Illumination has to do with your walk with God. It is the light God uses to open up the dark areas of your life. As you walk with God, His illumination makes the shadow manifest, and God will say clear this up. Illumination is the light that comes to cleanse you and bring you up to par with Jesus. It comes to straighten your conduct. This is the light by which one influences the world unto righteous living.

Revelation is a divine unveiling to an ordinary man. It is a super unveiling to a natural person. It suspends your mind and imparts spiritual wisdom and understanding. It provides insight, foresight and hindsight, making one know things that cannot be learned. With the light of revelation, one can provide spiritual leadership in alignment with the will of God.

Salt before light
We represent God by shining our light in the world. Jesus said let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven. The endgame for shining the light we receive is to make men glorify God. The brilliance of your light depends on the intensity of your operations. However, you cannot be the light of the world, if you have not become the salt of the earth. The salt is for preservation. If your life does not preserve the earth, your light will be corrupt and unable to dislodge darkness.

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Your emergence is light. It is charismatic. Your saltiness is your character, being “an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity”. Character is the stability of anointing. If you want to go far in shining, go deep in character. Wherever you go, be the salt. I always tell people to be careful with visibility. Keep growing in your character. Dig your well deep. Don’t emerge too soon. The remnant is the people who, first, take root downward before bearing fruits upwards. You must take root downward before you shine. Live a life of integrity. The Lord demands it.

You must be the salt of the earth. Stop seeking for breakthrough somewhere else. Align with God, explore God have renewed commitment. The truth is that light does not escape notice. Your light will attract people to you, but when they come and bite you, they will taste your salt, your character. If you have not grown in character, your life will chase away people attracted by your light. It is time for light bearers to emerge as solutions to the problems our world is faced with. However, we must remember that one must grow in character before attempting to shine. May God alone be glorified. God bless you.

Ukporhe is the Point Man (Resident Pastor) at Remnant Christian Network, Lagos. Raised in Sokoto, northern Nigeria, he was trained in peculiar firebrand evangelism and was ordained as a pastor in 2001. He has experienced countless and diverse workings of the faithfulness of God over two decades and has developed a passion to see God’s will for Nigeria become a reality.