John 8:12 – Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." (NKJV)

We live across from an elementary school. Come the end of June, the playground goes quiet, the parking lot empty, and the flag comes down from the flagpole. The building then becomes an empty shell for the next two months. Then, as the summer draws to a close, we begin to see the occasional car — as teachers and cleaners prepare for the next school year.

Today, the flag was raised in anticipation of the arrival of children and teachers two days hence. The lawns have been groomed, and the empty shell is coming alive with people.

Each of us was once an empty shell, until Jesus came into our lives and illuminated our shells with His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. None of us needs to worry again about being an empty shell.

But what about the world? How many people do we come across daily who are walking as empty shells? We have been given a gift and a mandate.

Mark 16:15 – Then [Jesus] said, "Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God's good news to one and all." (MSG)

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for the clear pictures that we have just outside our front windows of who You are and who we are in You. Help us to grow in Your truth and shine for Your glory in this world. We want to be more than just illuminated empty shells; help us to achieve this. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Julie Bowles <julieanni@rogers.com>
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
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