The True Light

 Evening Devotion

DECEMBER 11

 

… the true light now shineth.

2 John 2:8

 

Our land was once shrouded in the darkness of Paganism, 

  this was dispelled by the introduction of the gospel.
(note James Smith wrote of England in the mid- 1800s) 

Then it became enveloped in the darkness of Popery, 

  this was partly dissipated at the reformation.
 
Clouds of superstition still hang over some parts of it, 

  but the true light nevertheless shines.
 
It shines from the written word, and 

  it shines from hundreds of pulpits.
 
It has shone upon us.
 
It has shone into our hearts.
 
We have by it discovered our real estate by nature.
 
Jehovah’s true character.
 
The way of life and salvation.
 
The source of true pleasure.
 
The principle of acceptable obedience.
 
It shines around us now, mildly, clearly, and constantly.
 
It shines to display God’s free grace.
 
To enable us to walk in comfort

  —to work with pleasure

  —to fight with confidence

  —to fly with certainty

  —and to go home with satisfaction/
 
Does the true light now shine?
 
Then let us be thankful, 

   for multitudes are still sitting in darkness 

     and the shadow of death.
 
Let us improve our opportunity, 

  walking in the light as our God is in the light, 

    and living in fellowship with him.
 
Let us diffuse the light in every direction to the utmost of our ability.
 

O! to rescue men from ruin,

Let the light within us shine;

Sinners to the Saviour guiding,

By an energy divine.

 
James Smith