READ:
GENESIS 18:20-32
In the
human body, the heart, liver, kidney, lungs, tongue, eardrum and eyes are the
most delicate organs. Of all these, the eyes are most exposed and therefore
most vulnerable. While the body covers and protects the other organs, the eyes
are only protected by thin layers of skin called eyelids. As a result, the eyes
warrant special protection, because the Bible calls them the light of the body.
If a person loses his eyes, his whole body is plunged in darkness. If someone
hurls a stone at your face, your immediate, instinctive reaction is to protect
your eyes.
“Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of Your wings.” (Psalm 17:8).
This was the prayer of the Psalmist. It is very risky and ambitious prayer, because it implies that the one praying it, sees him- or herself as the favourite of the King, and that he or she is willing to take on the function of the eyes. The eyes have an enormous responsibility. We see through our eyes. God wants to see the world through us. In Matthew 5:14, Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” We are supposed to shine the light of God in the world. If we fail to do that, the whole world would be in darkness.
In our passage great cities were facing extinction because of their wickedness. God tells his friend Abraham: ‘If I can see ten tiny lights, I will spare Sodom and Gomorrah.’ Believers help to determine whether their families, communities, cities and nations will be saved or damned. If they shine their light, they could preserve their families. But if their lights have been extinguished by the darkness and sinfulness of the world, they will perish along with the wicked.
Are you shining forth your light? To what extent are you reflecting the light of Christ in your vicinity? To what extent are your actions saving your family – both immediate and extended – from judgement? Are you part of God’s plan?
“Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of Your wings.” (Psalm 17:8).
This was the prayer of the Psalmist. It is very risky and ambitious prayer, because it implies that the one praying it, sees him- or herself as the favourite of the King, and that he or she is willing to take on the function of the eyes. The eyes have an enormous responsibility. We see through our eyes. God wants to see the world through us. In Matthew 5:14, Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” We are supposed to shine the light of God in the world. If we fail to do that, the whole world would be in darkness.
In our passage great cities were facing extinction because of their wickedness. God tells his friend Abraham: ‘If I can see ten tiny lights, I will spare Sodom and Gomorrah.’ Believers help to determine whether their families, communities, cities and nations will be saved or damned. If they shine their light, they could preserve their families. But if their lights have been extinguished by the darkness and sinfulness of the world, they will perish along with the wicked.
Are you shining forth your light? To what extent are you reflecting the light of Christ in your vicinity? To what extent are your actions saving your family – both immediate and extended – from judgement? Are you part of God’s plan?
MEMORIZE:
PSALM 17:8 –Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of Your
wings.
