Daily Devotional for July 19, 2024
Light of the World
“There must be a thousand fireflies out tonight!” Juan exclaimed.
Dad had turned off the yard light. The blinking green and orange light from the insects became easier to see. Juan unscrewed the lid from a clean plastic peanut butter container that his dad had poked with a screwdriver to make air holes.
He ran to the center of the yard and stood still. Twinkling fireflies fluttered around him. He scooped the container through the air and covered the open end with the lid. Lifting it eye level, he watched for a minute then saw a small blink of green inside the container. Juan smiled and repeated the process, sometimes chasing after the flying bugs.
“It’s time to come in,” Dad called from the door.
Juan hurried over to him and held out the container. “I caught four green and three orange.” The bugs’ lights flickered through the clear plastic. “There is no better light than fireflies,” Juan declared.
Dad switched on the yard light then opened the door and sat down on the cement step. Juan sat beside him carefully holding his container. “Fireflies are an amazing wonder of nature, but there is a better light than fireflies. Do you know what that is?” Dad asked.
Juan thought for a moment. “Jesus?”
“Right!” Dad said. “Sunlight is nice. So is electricity.” Dad pointed up at the outside light fixture. “But Jesus is the true light of the world. Do you know why?”
“Because He saved us from our sins!” Juan said proudly.
“Exactly.” Dad patted Juan on the back. “Because He saved us by dying for our sins and rising from the dead, we will live in His light now and forever. And we can shine His light to others by showing them His love and telling them about Him.” Dad stood. “Let’s go inside.”
Juan unscrewed the container lid. He gently shook the plastic until the fireflies flew out and cut a blinking path in the darkness. Juan joined his dad by the door. “I’m glad God made fireflies. They are the second-best light in the world. I’m happier God sent Jesus to be the best light in the world.”
–Rose Ross Zediker
How about you?
Are you a light in the darkness? Do you complain or give thanks? Are you mean or kind? Do you argue or make peace? Sin brings darkness to the world, but if you know Jesus, He has freed you from sin and given you His light. When you show others His love through qualities like thankfulness, kindness, and peace, others will see His light shine through you in your words and actions. You can bring light to the world and point others to Jesus!
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