Guidance: It's light

Paul begins 2 Corinthians chapter 4, referring to resistance to the Gospel. People were being blinded to "the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ" (v.4). He writes that he and his fellow workers were not preaching about themselves but about "Jesus the Lord". Then Paul writes, "God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ". In these beautiful words Paul conveyed to his readers the wonder of the Christian experience. As the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15), he knew the reality and power of Christ shining into his heart. His experience on the Damascus Road never left him. Luke writes of "a light" from heaven shining around Saul of Tarsus in Acts 9:3. Paul himself recalls in his address to the mob who attacked him in Jerusalem, "a great light from heaven shone around me" (Acts 22:6). Later, he tells King Agrippa about "a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me" in Acts 26:13. This light which is described in increasing brightness demonstrated how Christ ruled in the heart of Paul. His missionary journeys, the manner and direction of his life were guided by his Saviour. His sufferings, persecution and the certainty of his martyrdom did not diminish his faith. On the contrary, the light just shone more brightly. He wrote earlier to the Corinthians, "Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Corinthians 9:1).

The glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ wasn't simply the beautiful imagery of spiritual poetry. It was the guiding light of the apostle's life and should be ours. It changed him from being the enemy of Christ and His people to the most devoted, self-sacrificing and practical man, energetic evangelist and shepherd of the flock of God. He had seen the Saviour, and every day he lived from then on was guided by the light of Christ's grace, love and mercy.

When it comes to the guidance of God, the light of the Saviour not only direct our path but the way we tread that pathway in fellowship with Saviour. The Gospels record for us the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. What the Lord said to Philip is important: "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip?” (John 14:9). Like many Christians, Philip was looking for something he had already seen yet not understood. We can spend our time looking for signs or special revelations when Saviour wants us to see in Him the manifestation of God's glory: His unfailing love, matchless grace, and great mercy. The Lord explains guidance in the simple words "You follow me" (John 21:19, 22). When we learn to do this, we discover the light that shines in us also shines around us. It orders every aspect of our lives. It gives spiritual clarity and increases our faith in our personal and family responsibilities and decision-making, our fellowship as God's people, and our interactions in the world. It is the fulfilment of the words God gave to Moses to tell Aaron and his sons how to bless Israel's children. "The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26).