When These Signs Begin to Show

When these signs (pestilences) begin to show, the Bible tells us that our redemption is near.

But what do we do in the meantime?

How should Christians respond in the meantime?

Christians can respond in two ways:
I. By being the light
II. By praying for the government of the day

I. Be the Light

1. Light Reveals Itself and Its Contents

Nobody has to conduct a field study to find a light. As you turn in the direction of the light, it is seen; or better still, the light radiates all around you even before you turn—light reveals itself.

Just as, upon drawing close to a light bulb, its filament, glass mound, and metal contacts (through which the electrical current flows) are seen, so too, when coming into contact with a true Christian, Jesus Christ—the One who engenders light and life—is seen and felt.

A Christian should so expose Christ in his life that no one could live with him for a week without seeing and knowing the One who produces light. They should clearly perceive whose he is and whom he serves, seeing the image of Jesus reflected in his daily actions. Every true Christian reveals the Light of the world.

📖 Matthew 5:14 – “You are the light of the world.”

2. Light Reveals Danger

To indicate rocks, shallow water, and open drains, a light is erected to signal the danger. It is dangerous to ignore or reject the light; it is dangerous to ignore God’s warnings.

📖 John 3:18 – “He who does not believe brings damnation to himself.”

Every Christian must put up the true light upon every dangerous rock, pointing out sin and telling of its consequences so that we may be clear of the blood of all men from our hands.

There are dangerous rocks of sin in the world, my friend—do not ignore the light! There are also dangerous rocks of limitations and pestilences that position themselves in the pathway of our health. Let the light of God reveal their source and act to remove them.

📖 Luke 10:19 – “The Spirit of Light indwells you to destroy rocks.”

3. Light Reassures and Comforts

Light has a profoundly positive effect. How comforting it is to have light flood your path on a dark, dank night when all hope of finding your way seemed lost.

A Christian ought to be a comforter, with kind words on his lips and sympathy in his heart, bringing happiness to those around him. Men must feel the warmth of Christ through every true Christian.

📖 Psalm 23 – “The Lord is your shepherd – how comforting!”
📖 Psalm 27 – “The Lord is your light and salvation; you need not fear – how reassuring!”
📖 Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Are these not uplifting words in stressful times like these?

4. Light Redirects One’s Course and Gives Hope

“You are the light of the world.” The Word, as light, shines through us in the darkness and becomes a guide to the true meaning of life for those stumbling in the darkness.

📖 Acts 8 records the Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah 53 without understanding its meaning. Philip came along and explained God’s Word to him—the way of salvation, the life of godliness—and baptized him that very day.

You are the light that leads to the true way.

5. Light Repels Darkness

As light enters a room, darkness must retreat.

Saul of Tarsus saw this Light in Acts 9:3 while rampaging to Jerusalem to destroy the believers in Christ. He described the appearance of Jesus to him on the road to Damascus as a penetrating Light—a light brighter than the noon-day sun.

Now, what could be brighter than the noon-day sun? What could outshine the sun in its meridian strength and luster? The Light of lights.

Saul, overwhelmed, asked: “Lord, what do you want me to do?”
In a flash, the Light of all lights became Saul’s Lord, and the mercenary of darkness became a missionary for Light.

6. Light Regenerates Life

It is reported that laser light is now used in surgical operations. It destroys tumors and pre-cancerous growths, removes kidney stones, repairs detached retinas, and seals blood vessels and nerve endings.

You are the light of the world—to destroy the cancerous growths of fear and hopelessness pervading our society today.

Christians need to take their place and be the light in the darkness.

II. Pray for the Government of the Day

📖 1 Timothy 2:1-2
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

Prayer is essential for those in authority. Through prayer, we can ask for God’s wisdom, guidance, and protection over our leaders. When righteous leaders rule, the people rejoice, but when wicked rulers prevail, chaos ensues.

By praying for those in power, we fulfill our duty to seek God’s will on earth and ensure that His light shines even in the halls of governance.