LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
Written by Alex and Jeremiah Klinect
Brookwood Missionary Partners in Budapest
he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
Isaiah 49:6 (NIV)
For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
Acts 13:47 (NIV)
Isaiah 49 reveals the Father’s purpose for the Son: to gather Israel and be a light to the Gentiles. In Acts 13:47, Paul applies this calling to himself. We find this metaphor compelling and convicting because we clearly saw light and darkness at a recent outreach event in our neighborhood here in Budapest, Hungary.
Although Hungary is a historically Catholic nation, we find that the average Hungarian is truly living in darkness. In a literal sense, this looks like the adoption of American traditions, such as Halloween, with a really dark, scary feel. Catholic Hungarians have celebrated All Saints Day for a millennium, but Halloween has only recently become popular as the internet connects cultures around the world. For the fourth year, we partnered with neighbors for our annual Halloween event, offering family-friendly carnival games, cookies, apple juice, and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! instead of frightening decorations.
Hungarians tend to be reserved, leaving few chances to form new relationships. By hosting a trick-or-treat station, we opened our yard and porch to neighbors, creating conversations, building relationships and hearing repeatedly that people felt genuinely welcome. One of our volunteers told us that he had never seen Hungarians so open to having conversations about deeper topics. We were able to hand out The Pumpkin Gospel (A Sütőtök Evangéliuma) tracts to 150 people. In a maze of 30 trick-or-treating stations in our neighborhood, our home was a place of joy and light for everyone walking by.
APPLICATION: Are you showcasing God's light to those around you, or are you hiding it under a bushel, as the old children’s song says? The Bible teaches us that God has put His light in our hearts. Let’s let it shine!
PRAYER: Dear Father, we confess that sometimes we try to hide the light You have placed in our hearts. We ask that You give us more opportunities to share Your light with others. May our homes, workplaces, cars and gathering places be spots of Your light and love for others. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?