GOLDEN DAYS OF AUTUMN

The vision of bright yellow maples and poplars is a sight to enjoy every fall. But nothing can compare to the brilliancy of a swamp filled with Tamaracks-turned-golden this time of year. God has a special way with color. May we all see His beauty and mercy in His creation.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES       By Sally Bair

Tamarack Gold         

The colorful leaves of the maples, aspen, and birch have fallen and died, but those of the tamarack tree still cling to their branches. Unlike its conifer cousins, the tamarack sheds its leaves. The bright golden needle-leaves are stunningly beautiful before they fall, especially where the trees stand amidst dark green pines. During these late autumn days, the tamaracks stand out like beacons.

That’s how followers of Christ should be—beacons of light that stand out amidst the darkness of the world. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)   

How bright is our Christian light? Some past believers shone so bright, they deeply affected others. Paul the Apostle, for instance, “did extraordinary miracles … so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.” (Acts 19:11-12) Records state that the famous Dr. Dwight L. Moody was filled with so much light from God’s glory that when he walked by, men across the street fell down in repentance. Others, too, have exhibited such light, causing people to repent, be healed, and be delivered from demons.

Have you ever y seen someone with a certain glow to their face. Why don’t all believers in Christ would possess such a light? Perhaps we haven’t received all the light He makes available to us. Perhaps we hold onto too much of the world so our light is like that of a single candle rather than a huge bonfire.

When we’re out in the sun long enough, our physical appearance changes. When we look to the Son of God, His light will change us, too, as it did Paul and Moody and others. As it can for all of us. We can all shine like beacons, standing apart just as the beautiful tamaracks do.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8)

Lord, thank You for being the Light of the world. Work in our hearts, cleansing us from unholy thoughts and acts, so there will be more room for Your light to shine through, so others can see You through us. Teach us how to be holy as You are holy. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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