God designed nakedness for the light of the Garden. There, free from sin and shame, light revealed God’s image in man and woman.
In the mire of sexual sin, nakedness still glows a faint memory of original innocence and original light. And though the resemblance is faint, a man lost in darkness will drag himself miles to reach even a smoldering wick that reminds him of home.
And seeing no alternative, he will build there.
I think this is why Christ proclaimed:
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14 – 16).
I’ve usually heard this passage taught as a call not to be ashamed of Jesus. And so it is. But consider this: Where we need Jesus most—in those places we have been most powerless, most afraid, most ashamed—these places are where He shines clearest.
The specific sins from which we’re saved can become holy embers from which His light burns brightest in our lives.
On the other hand, when we remain silent about the sins from which He’s freed us, out of fear of what others will think, we place baskets over lamps, build cities in concealed valleys.
How can men and women in darkness know the Savior He is unless they hear of the strong, dark giants from which He has saved us?
I hope you’ll join us this Saturday for our sweet and savory celebration in McLean, Virginia, Let Your Light Shine.
You’ll have the opportunity to hear stories of what Christ has done and continues to do through Regeneration. It promises to be a powerful night, full of Christ’s light and goodness for all who attend.
Last Thursday at our annual Baltimore dessert, three people shared about their journeys out of darkness, and afterward one listener remarked, “It reminded me how powerful Jesus is.” Yes!
Likewise, a woman in her 70’s came up to me and with a smile said, “Isn’t it amazing what testimonies can do?” Then she added, “I shared my testimony 40 years ago at the prayer meeting where Alan Medinger* was saved.”
Think of all that light can do! The darkness will not understand it, but it also cannot overcome it.
I hope to see you Saturday for Let Your Light Shine!
Once in shadow,
Josh
* Alan Medinger attended a prayer meeting he was invited to by a friend and co-worker. There, he invited Christ into his life and experienced a miraculous change in his sexuality. He founded Regeneration a few years later in 1979. You can read about Alan’s life and ministry in the brand new biography by Judith Hartzell, By God’s Design: Overcoming Same-Sex Attractions.