[Dailydevo] Daily Devotion Wednesday January 1,2006

[Barry Ludwig]

Daily Devotion Wednesday January 11, 2006

We are now in the churchly season of Epiphany. This word comes from the
Greek (remember that the New Testament was first written in Greek) which
means to "shine a light upon "or to "make known."  During this season before
the arrival of Lent, we remember that in Jesus is the light of the world and
that through him God's salvation is made known to ALL people. The devotions
this week are written by Pastor Ludwig who explores the Epiphany theme of
"light."

 

Isaiah 60:1

"Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen
upon you."

 

One of my favorite plays is the "Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams. In
the story, Laura's brother Tom is trapped by his responsibilities to his
demanding mother and painfully shy sister (he is the "man" of the house) and
haunted by the life which he had been denied.  One morning his mother came
into his room and declared, "Rise and shine!," to which he sullenly
responded, "I will rise but I  will not shine!" How many mornings do we
share that sentiment?  Does it feel like we are entering another day just
like yesterday? It is hard to "shine" when each day seems to bring the same
unresolved issues.

 

God speaks of shining hope to his people through the prophet Isaiah. The
people of Judah had been in exile for two generations. Many years from
freedom and even more miles from home, they had lost any hope that today
could be different from the days before. But God is full of surprises
because he is a God of brilliant love and shining faithfulness. His prophet
shakes us from sleep and apathy and points us toward a day filled with
possibilities and the presence of God's light.  Rise and shine for your
light has come!  Jesus is here with us!

 

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