Arise, Shine (Isaiah 60:1–3; Luke 10:17–20; Colossians 2:1–5)

 

Sermon  - Arise, Shine (Isaiah 60:1–3; Luke 10:17–20; Colossians 2:1–5)

Throughout the Bible, we see how God led His people into foreign nations and received glory through them there. This theme runs from Genesis to Revelation — God placing His chosen ones among the nations so that His name may be glorified.

For example, David — though once moving only among the Israelites — had to flee from his own land because Saul continued to pursue him. In that desperate time, David fled to the land of the Philistines, the enemies of Israel. Yet, wherever David went, God protected him. God preserves those who are in His divine plan, no matter where they are. He protects them for His glory — and after fulfilling His purpose, He blesses them richly and causes their light to shine.

In this message, we meditate on how God shone through the lives of the Old Covenant patriarchs, even among the Gentiles.

1. Abraham – A Light in a Foreign Land

Abraham, at one point, left Hebron and entered a foreign land ruled by King Abimelech (Genesis 20:7). Because of Sarah, God afflicted the king’s household with illness. But then, God appeared to the king in a dream and told him to return Sarah to Abraham, saying:

“Call Abraham — he is a prophet. He will pray for you, and you will be healed.”

Thus, God demonstrated His power and favor upon Abraham in a foreign land. Just like a lamp placed in another room still gives light, Abraham gave light in the land of Gerar. Wherever God’s people are placed, they must shine. Sometimes, God intentionally places His people among the Gentiles. Why?

Three reasons:

1. So His people may shine among the Gentiles – the calling of God’s people is to give light.
2. So that God may reveal Himself – it is God’s own work to manifest His glory.
3. So that Gentiles may come to know God and seek His help – this is the responsibility of the Gentiles.

Principle: Wherever the children of God are placed, they must shine.

God sent Abraham to a foreign land so that the Gentiles might come to know Him and that Abraham might be given a divine assignment. Just as an insect flying toward a flame may be burned by it, so too must God’s people use their light to overcome the darkness — trials, temptations, and persecutions must be dispelled by the radiance within them.

After fulfilling His purpose through Abraham, God brought him back to the land of Palestine. In the same way, when we are called into the fellowship of the church, God has already placed within us the gift of light.

Some people ask, “Why am I in this world?”
We must understand that we were sent into this world for these three purposes:

1. To shine as light among the nations,
2. To reveal God’s presence,
3. To draw others to seek Him.

2. The Life of Isaac - Genesis 26

During a time of famine, Isaac went to a foreign land, to dwell among the Gentiles. In Genesis 26:28, it is recorded that the Gentiles recognized that God was with Isaac. Through Isaac’s growth, prosperity, and conduct, the Gentiles saw God’s hand upon him. His life became like a lamp — through its light, others came to know the true God.

In Abraham’s time, Gentiles came to know God through divine dreams and revelations. But in Isaac’s case, they came to know Him through observable blessing and growth.

As believers, we too must grow day by day, not just in comfort but also through trials. Whether among our own people or among strangers, whether in times of peace or affliction, we must shine.

We must each ask ourselves: “Am I shining? Is God being revealed through my life?”
This question is essential for any believer who desires to fulfill their purpose.

3. The Life of Joseph

Joseph's life is a story of light shining through suffering. From the pit where his brothers cast him, to Potiphar’s house, to prison, and finally to the throne — Joseph shone in every place he was placed. Even in Egypt — among enemies, strangers, and in the presence of temptation — he did not lose his light. He was faithful not only in leadership but in lowly places. The name Joseph itself means “increase” or “growth.” His life was a witness to continuous spiritual growth.

Each of us can become like Joseph. When his brothers finally came to Egypt, Joseph told them: “It was not you who sent me here, but God.”

Only after Jacob’s descendants came to Joseph, and he had passed through many afflictions, did the purpose of God become clear. God remained silent for a time, not because He was absent, but because He was working out Joseph’s growth and preparing provision for His people. From the time Joseph left Hebron and was sent to Dothan, hardship followed him. Yet he recognized that it was God’s plan, and not just the result of his brothers' betrayal.

4. Moses – God’s Glory through Deliverance

Let us now turn from Genesis to the story of Moses. God heard the cries of His people and sent Moses as a deliverer. Through ten mighty miracles, the Egyptians came to know the true and living God. The Israelites, too, understood that their deliverance was near and began to observe the Passover. They left Egypt carrying the riches of the Egyptians.

But why did God wait through so many hardships? The answer: so that the whole world might come to know His name and that His glory would be revealed across the earth.

 

There are two main purposes here:

1. God must be glorified. The Egyptians acknowledged, "The God of the Hebrews who parted the Red Sea is truly great!"
2. God’s people must be recognized as His own. Because the Egyptians had grown favorable toward the Israelites, they gave them silver and gold. God displayed His influence and power.

Though He told Moses, "I will stretch out My hand and deliver My people," God fulfilled this not by directly intervening with His hand, but by causing the Egyptians themselves to reach out and help the Israelites. What a display of divine sovereignty!

5. The Three Hebrew Youth – Light in the Fire

When the Israelites were taken into Babylonian captivity, three young men were thrown into a fiery furnace. Why? So that King Nebuchadnezzar could learn a powerful lesson through the faithfulness of God’s people.

In Daniel 3:26, the king himself declared:

“There is no god who can save in this way! Servants of the Most High God, come out!”

Through these faithful youth, God taught a mighty lesson to the rulers of nations.
The children of God shone brightly inside the furnace — their faith was the flame that lit up Babylon.

Three Eternal Purposes from Five Stories

In all five stories — Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, Moses, and the Three Hebrew Youth — three key truths continually emerge:

1. God is everywhere and sovereign — no harm can come to His people without His permission.
2. God must be glorified.
3. God’s children will receive good through their trials.
   At the same time, those who afflict them will be taught divine lessons.

Therefore, as believers, we must be willing to enter trials for the Lord’s sake.

Let us go forth, no matter what hardships we face — with courage and boldness. Let us echo the words of Paul: “I rejoice in my sufferings.” (Colossians 1:24)

The Lord Himself said: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad!” (Matthew 5:11–12; Acts 9:15)

Yes, Jehovah God led the Israelites into suffering — but only to deliver them and receive their praise. These five stories and three divine purposes remind us to worship the Lord joyfully, even in suffering. May we grow through every trial and become lights in this dark world.

May God bless these words. Amen.