Sing the Light

Mark 4:21-23 He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? 22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
 
SEVERAL years ago Susan Boyle, one of Britain’s top recording artists from 2010-2020 appeared as an unknown singer on the television program “Britian’s Got Talent”. She was a very ordinary  woman in her late 40’s from a simple background in Scotland. For nearly 30 years Susan had attempted to have record companies recognize her talent. But everyone said, “Not good enough.” Her dream to sing as Elaine Paige, one of Britain’s top show tune singers, seemed out of touch.
   But she persevered and found a new opportunity on that highly rated program. Before she sang that night, all in the audience seemed to laugh at the middle-aged woman with an impossible dream. But when Susan began to sing, the first notes revealed to the world God had given her an extraordinary voice. All were stunned with her powerful, emotional rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream”.
   That night, Susan Boyle’s light was no longer hidden. Many had tried to hide her talent. Now millions of ears have heard. To date, this performance on YouTube has over 24 million views. Susan’s albums have broken sales records. Susan’s one-hidden talent has amassed a financial fortune. In all those years of rejection, Susan learned she was not responsible for the audience’s rejection. She was responsible to keep using her gift.  
   For centuries, the Father had hidden his full gospel message from the world. About 2,000 years ago, the Father sent the Son onto the world’s stage. Few considered him. He began in a manger in Bethlehem. The Son of God grew and labored in obscurity for 30 years. Then one day Jesus burst forth with his salvation song: Matthew 4:16 “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” 17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
   The ordinary-looking man from Nazareth began to speak, and his voice changed the world. The authorities wanted to keep him hidden. They even killed him. But out of the tomb came the Resurrection and the Life. Then the Spirit touched the apostles. God’s gospel became the Spirit’s sweet song from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Countless ordinary people have become extraordinary witnesses of Jesus’ freedom song.
   You’ve heard it sung. Are you an extraordinary person who carries Jesus’ light? What do you do with the Lord’s gift? Do you keep it hidden because your friends and relatives think the Light has no value? Are you frustrated because you’ve attempted for many years to be Jesus’ redeeming voice. But too many people have said, “Not good enough.” Do you want to be quiet? Or are you passionate to persevere through all obstacles?
   The world craves meaning. Stand up and sing the song the Spirit has given you. God has prepared many ears to receive his message. He wants you to keep singing.
   Remember, you are not responsible for the response from the “audience”. You are responsible for your response to your Lord.