The Bible Gives Light
Scripture Reading — Romans 13:11-14
Let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light… Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.
—Romans 13:12, 14
Augustine (A.D. 354-430) grew up in North Africa. His mother was a Christian and prayed fervently for him, but his journey to belief in Christ took many detours. Gifted with a brilliant mind, he explored and followed several religions and philosophies, teaching in graduate schools. He indulged his sensual passions and lived with a woman for ten years.
He was drawn back to the church by powerful preaching, and came to grips with his sin. At the age of 32, he was in a friend’s garden shedding tears over guilt deep in his soul. His friend had opened the Bible and was trying to explain the gospel to him. Augustine walked away but heard the sound of a child’s voice, as if from a house nearby, telling him again and again to “take it and read.” He picked up the Bible, and his eyes fell on our reading for today. He testifies, “I had no wish to read more and no need to do so… It was as though the light of faith flooded into my heart and all the darkness of doubt was dispelled.” God later called Augustine to become an outstanding pastor, teacher, and writer in the Christian church.
Are you searching for truth? Are you in the dark and wondering about God? Take up his Word and read, asking God to reveal himself, because he will.
Lord, “I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:104-105). Amen.
About the author — David Zandstra
David Zandstra is a retired pastor living in Marietta, Georgia, having served five churches from New Jersey to California. Along with other ministries, he counsels clients of a pregnancy resource center. He acknowledges his indebtedness to the training and resources of Peacemaker Ministries. David and his wife, Margie, have three children and six grandchildren.
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