Reflection Of The Light

Rjukan, Norway is a small town that for six months of the year does not receive any sunlight due its location between mountains. So instead of living in total darkness throughout the fall and winter months, this town decided to get innovative and construct rotating mirrors to reflect the sun’s rays directly into the little town. The mirrors make life in this little town much more pleasant for its residents during the darkest part of the year.

Mirrors in Rjukan, Norway

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5

Reflecting The Son of God

Our lives as Christians work much the same way as the mirrors do in Rjukan, Norway. We are called to be a light in the darkness. We must bear in mind however, that the light is not coming from us, it is being reflected through us so that others may see Christ rather than seeing us. When the people of Rjukan look at the mirrors during the day, they can not see the actual mirror because the reflection of the sun is so bright. This a perfect example of how our lives should be. When people look at us, all they should see is Christ Himself.

Looking up at the mirrors in Rjukan, Norway

The other thing I want to make note of here is simply the obvious. The mirrors would have nothing to reflect if it were not for the sun. The same applies with us as Christians. Without Christ’s light in our lives we would have no light to share.

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world.Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

We live in a world where there seems to be more darkness than light and at times it feels as though we are not making any progress for the kingdom. Just like the mirrors on the side of the mountain had to be strategically placed, God has placed each one of us strategically so that our light will be seen by those around us. And while it may not seem like anything is happening be assured that the Lord will use the simplest things to bring people to their knees. Remember that God’s kingdom is build one person and one heart at a time. So while we may feel like nothing is happening, our light is making a difference in the lives of those around us. Let’s not get discouraged by the things going on around us. The things we see going on should draw us closer to the Father rather than farther away. The time we spend drawing closer to the Lord only does one thing, it allows our lights to get brighter. The brighter our lights, the more people we have the opportunity to influence for eternity. What a blessing that is! We should be excited about the light of God changing the hearts of those around us. Ultimately, this is the very purpose for our existence, so that we can let our lights shine so that others can see our good deeds and in turn see our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

Lord, help us to be the lights that you have called us to be. Help our lights to get brighter with each passing day. Not only is it your heart’s desire, but it is ours as well to see others entering into your kingdom. We know that by letting our lights shine with ever increasing intensity that we will see just that very thing happen, and happen by the masses. Help us not to grow weary in well doing, but to wait patiently and in doing so we will reap a harvest at the proper time. Thank you Lord that you have a heart for the lost. Thank you that you use us to bring others to your saving grace.

For related posts visit: "Our Great Commission" and "Our Calling In Christ"

*Please Note: Some of the content for this particular post stemmed from "Our Daily Bread Devotional" on November 18, 2015. That particular devotional was written by Lawrence Darmani. - I just want to give credit where credit is due.