Devotion for Today "Light in Timisoara" John 8:12

Devotion for Today  “Light in Timisoara”   John 8:12

 

            Pastor Laszlo Tokes became too successful in the eyes of his Romanian government. He preached the gospel boldly and within two years saw his small church grow to 5,000. The authorities confiscated his ration book so he couldn’t buy fuel or food. Then in December 1989, they decided to exile him. When the police arrived they were stopped by an unmovable crowd of people. Members of other churches and denominations stood shoulder to shoulder in protest. All day, the police tried to disperse the crowd, but they wouldn’t budge. Just after midnight a nineteen-year-old Baptist student named Daniel Garva, pulled out a packet of candles. He lit one and passed it to his neighbor. One by one the burning candles were passed through the crowd. The crowd stayed all through that night and the next. The police finally broke through and knocked in the church door. They bloodied Pastor Tokes’ face, then paraded both him and his wife through the crowd. An outcry from the people led them to their city square of Timisoara, where they began a full-scale demonstration against the Communist government. Once again, Daniel Garva passed out his candles. Troops were brought in and ordered to shoot the crowd. Hundreds were shot, and Daniel’s leg was blown off. Their brave example inspired the entire population of Romania, and within days the bloody dictator, Ceausescu, was dead. For the first time in half a century, Romania celebrated Christmas in freedom. In a world of hostile darkness, God has called us to light a candle of love. Although the presentation of God’s Light may not be favorably received, such faithfulness will yield results beyond our grandest dreams.

            Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.  He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

            Have we been living in the darkness so long that we no longer welcome the light?  Our friends in Romania 15 years ago showed us that one can only live in darkness for so long that the light will get through it eventually.  May we all pray that the light that God shown upon that country will be shown upon ours.  Have a blessed day!

 

 

Rev. Jeffery C. Russell
Salem Baptist Church
Elizabeth City, NC
jefferyrussell@earthlink.net

 

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