Shine Like the Sun

Then Jesus left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!” Matthew 13:36-43

If you have ever lived by a lighthouse, you know the strength of it's beam. In the depths of night, strangers to our house wondered if there was an intruder, someone shining a flashlight in their eyes. That light is meant to e a beacon of safety and welcome for those who are on rough seas, blinded by the wind and waves. It shines in a dark world, to help lost one find safe harbor.

Jesus explains the parable of the good and bad seed. There are weeds and healthy wheat growing side by side in this world. Sometimes, the weeds can blind the healthy, choking out the sun and surrounding them with darkness. The good news is the good seed, the healthy wheat will always shine and be a beacon of hope to those who are lost. Those who are looking for safe harbor are counting on those who shine like the sun.

Today, I ask God to help me shine and be a beacon of hope for others. May we be the good seed who thrive in a darkening world and who bring light to others' dark places.