Читать книгу Beyond the Horizon - Harry A. Renfree - Страница 24

January 18

A life dedicated to God and changed through the power of the Savior may, and every so often does, make an impact upon the secular world. Such was the case with Mahalia Jackson, famed operatic singer.

Her voice was first recognized nationally in her American homeland in the 1930s when she sang “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” during a cross–country gospel tour. She resisted offers for fame and fortune singing secular music, instead concentrating on gospel music. Her records sold in the millions. She became a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States in singing the theme song, “We Shall Overcome.” Before she passed away, Mahalia Jackson had sung almost prophetically in the movie “Imitation of Life:” “Soon I will be done with the troubles of this world.” She now is, and this is also true of the millions upon millions who have found their rest in Jesus.

Jesus expressed in the following way the opportunity we all have to demonstrate His light: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

In the New Testament, one of the fine descriptions of Christians is children of light, suggesting that followers of Jesus, the Light of the World, are also lights—lights to penetrate the darkness of our world. Speaking of Himself, just before He went to the cross, Jesus put the Christian’s responsibility plainly before them: “You are going to have the light just a little while longer,” [that is Jesus was soon going to go to the cross]. Then He added, “Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.” (John 12:35). Paul picks up this theme in Ephesians 5:8: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”

Found on a baby’s monument in an old cemetery was this epitaph: “There is not darkness enough in all the world to put out the light of one little candle.”

That’s so vitally true, as Mahalia Jackson proved, and we can too . . . by living as children of light.