"What Is To Give Light Must Endure Burning"

Viktor Frankl was an Austrian psychiatrist and a survivor of the Holocaust. He said, “What is to give light must endure burning.” That is an interesting quote. It calls attention to the reality that in the physical world almost everything that gives light does so by being set on fire. A lamp gives of itself to create the light we enjoy. A log in a fireplace, a candle on a table or even the filament inside a light bulb are at varying degrees being burnt, and used up, to produce the light we enjoy. Sometimes an electric lamp needs a new light bulb or a lantern a fresh supply of oil.

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12) Jesus understood all too well the sacrifice that is needed to be the light of the world. He was willing to let his life be used up to create a beacon of hope, a light to our path, and a candle in the Father’s house that welcomes us home. Jesus reached out to the poor, the lame, the blind and the outcast to show them the way home. He healed their diseases, cast out their daemons and accepted them into his presence even though every act of compassion cost him a piece of his life and lessened his status with the religious leaders of his day.

Jesus also said, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16) Not only did Jesus allow his life to be consumed in order to be the light, he offers us an invitation (more a commandment) that we too are to be a light for the world. That means that we are sometimes put in uncomfortable positions so that the true light of Jesus might be seen in us and through us. It means burning brightly for Jesus that the outcast might find hope and the lost a way home. It means that our walk will sometimes be difficult, the work will sometimes be hard, but the reward will be a family, a church, a community and a world that is a brighter and more cheerful place to live because of our sacrifice. “What is to give light must endure burning.”

To you who are a light in a darkened world, who give the oil in your lamps, who allowed God to use you to touch the lives of others: thank you for the light you bring to our congregation, and above all, thank you for being light to a world who desperately needs to see the grace and mercy of God. As you give yourself away may you be set on fire for Jesus Christ, may the Holy Spirit revive your soul, and may God daily renew your supply of oil.

Rev. Tim