Keepers of the Light 光之守护者
Dexu Xia
Keepers of the Light
For God . . . made his light shine in our hearts. 2 Corinthians 4:6
They call them “Keepers of the Light.” At the lighthouse on the cape of Hatteras Island just off the North Carolina coast of the United States, there’s a memorial to those who’ve tended the light stations there since 1803. Shortly after the existing structure was moved inland because of shoreline erosion, the names of the keepers were etched on the old foundation stones and arranged into an amphitheater shape facing the new site. That way—as a placard explains—today’s visitors can follow in the historical keepers’ footsteps and “watch over” the lighthouse as well.
Jesus is the ultimate light-giver. He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). That’s a radical thing for anyone to claim. But Jesus said it to affirm His relationship with His heavenly Father, the Creator of light and life who sent Him.
When we look to Jesus for salvation and follow His teaching, we’re restored in relationship with God, and He gives us new power and purpose. His transforming life and love—“the light of all mankind” (1:4)—shines in us and through us and out to a dark and sometimes dangerous world.
As believers in Jesus, we become “keepers of the light.” May others see His light shine from us and discover the life and hope He alone can give!
In what practical ways can you shine Jesus’ light? Where is God calling you to be obedient to Him today?
光之守护者
那吩咐光从黑暗里照出来的上帝，已经照在我们心里。—哥林多后书4章6节
人们称他们为“光之守护者”。在美国北卡州的哈特拉斯岛上有一座灯塔，那里有一个纪念碑，纪念自1803年以来，在那里看守灯塔的诸多守护者。原有的灯塔已经被往内移，因为海岸线被侵蚀危及灯塔的地基。人们就把那些灯塔守护者的名字刻在原有灯塔的基石上，并设置成一个圆形剧场的形状，面向灯塔的新基址。正如告示牌所介绍的一样，现今游客们也可以追随历史上守护者的脚踪“看守”灯塔。
耶稣是众光之源，祂说：“我是世界的光。跟从我的，就不在黑暗里走，必要得着生命的光”（约翰福音8章12节）。无论谁这么说都难免被视为激进分子，但耶稣这样说是要肯定祂与天父的关系。天父不仅差派耶稣来到世上，更是创造光和生命的主宰。当我们接受耶稣的救恩并遵行祂的教导时，就恢复了与上帝的关系，祂亦会赐给我们新的能力和目标。祂的生命和慈爱“是人的光”（1章4节），不仅照亮我们的内心，改变我们的生命，也透过我们发出亮光，照亮这黑暗、充满危险的世界。
作为耶稣的跟随者，我们也成了“光之守护者”。期盼你我能把祂的光照在人前，让其他人也能发现只有上帝才能给予的生命和盼望！
主耶稣，我赞美祢，求祢帮助我可以为祢发光。
你如何以具体的方式散发耶稣的光芒？今天上帝呼召你在哪一方面顺服祂？