Put the two phrases “black driver” and “white police officer” together in a sentence and we all get images that flood our minds.
There’s no shortage of hate, accusations, and even outright lies on both sides of that issue, all of it generating more heat than light. But that only makes today’s story so much more important to share.
Welcome to “Mornings with Bishop Robert,” I’m glad you’re here to share this time with me. My goal is to introduce people to the Jesus they never knew, and help them get to know Him and His word personally – and better ! If our time together today speaks to your heart, then let me invite you to like, subscribe and share it with a friend !
First things first. Dr. Ashlye Wilkerson said her final goodbye to her Daddy last week. I know that pain, and so do many of you. Ashlye, you’re in my prayers today. But I have to say “thank you” for sharing this story of love even in the midst of your sorrow. Your Dad would be proud.
Not long before he was promoted to glory, Ashlye was driving her dad home from his bi-weekly cancer treatment. The lights and siren of a North Carolina Highway Patrol car made her realize she’d been paying more attention to him than the speed limit, and she dutifully pulled over. Not one to give excuses, Ashlye apologized and admitted that she had not been paying attention to her speed as she handed over her documents. In a low voice, weakened by his illness, her dad said it was his fault because she’d been focused on him as they returned home from his latest cancer treatment.
When the trooper returned he wasn’t holding a citation, but a small silver cross. He shared that he had family battling cancer, too; and asked Ashlye’s dad if he could pray for him. Both of these men shared a deep faith in Jesus, one they were not ashamed to talk about or live out in front of a dark world. As these men prayed, Ashlye grabbed the photo I’m sharing today. When they had finished praying, the trooper left the silver cross and a commitment to continue to pray.
Today’s verse says LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE.
The world is a dark place. That’s true. Right now it’s early in the morning as I write this, and the sun won’t be coming up for quite some time. So my house is a dark place, because all the lights are off. Well, that’s not quite true, because the light is on here in my study. So my study is light, even though my house is dark.
That’s the lesson for today. Places without light are dark, and places with light are not. See how difficult the Bible is to understand!!!!
When you and I receive the light of Christ’s love within us, we become His torches. You see, the God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. And we get to reflect His glory. You and me are the LIGHTS in the dark places.
Jesus said, “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” We cannot walk in darkness because we bring His light everywhere we go. As soon as you walk into a dark place, it’s NOT a dark place any longer. You see, YOU are His light. Shine brightly.
The same Jesus who said He came into the world as light also told us that we were to let our light shine before others in the same way, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Yes, the world is dark. LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE. When anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible; and people see things differently when the lights are on. That’s why the bible says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Shine brightly. Those in darkness need to see the light of Christ; and He intends to use you.
Your job doesn’t matter – your LIGHT does. The trooper knew that.
Your health doesn’t make a difference – your LIGHT does. Ashlye’s dad knew that.
Whatever dark situation you find yourself walking into really doesn’t matter – your LIGHT does. YOUR light. YOU walking into dark places changes them. Light dispels darkness, it overcomes it.
When there’s light, anyone can see that. It’s as clear as black and white.
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE
