Light Of The World

You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.

Ephesians 5:8

Today, March 17, is the day tradition says was the death date (AD 461 or 493) of Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. Born in Britain, Patrick was captured by Irish raiders as a teenager and forced into slavery in Ireland until he escaped six years later. After returning to his family in Britain, he supposedly had a vision of a man who gave him a letter, calling him to return to Ireland with the gospel.

And return he did. Though there is scant historical documentation about Patrick’s ministry in Ireland, the abundance of traditions (not to mention his sainthood) speaks of the brightness and consistency of the spiritual light he took into a dark land. Today is a good day to remember that, like Patrick, every Christian is called by God to go into the world and be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14)—a light that should not be hidden but should shine brightly. What is the light? It is the good works of love and service we perform in the name of Christ that cause men to glorify God in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

Light has one purpose: to illuminate the darkness. If we never penetrate the dark corners of this world with our presence, how will they be illumined?

The gospel is light, but only the Spirit can give sight.

A. W. TOZER