NOVEMBER 11, 2014
The
Drinking Gourd
Read: Philippians
2:12-18
Shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life. —Philippians 2:15-16
Prior to the American
Civil War (1861–1865), fugitive slaves found freedom by following the
Underground Railroad, a term for the secret routes from the South to the North
and the abolitionists who helped them along the way. Slaves would travel at
night for many miles, keeping on track by following the light of the “Drinking
Gourd.” This was a code name for the collection of stars known as the Big
Dipper, which points to the North Star. Some believe the fugitives also used
encoded directions in the lyrics of the song “Follow the Drinking Gourd” to
keep them from getting lost as they traveled.
Both the abolitionists
and the “drinking gourd” served as points of light directing the slaves to
freedom. The apostle Paul says that believers are to shine as “lights in the
world” to show the way to those seeking God’s truth, redemption, and spiritual
liberation (Phil. 2:15).
We live in a dark
world that desperately needs to see the light of Jesus Christ. Our calling is
to shine forth God’s truth so that others can be directed to the One who
redeems and is the path to liberty and life. We point the way to Jesus, the One
who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
Dear Lord, thank You
for redeeming me and giving
me new life. Give me
compassion for those who are
still lost in
spiritual darkness. Use me to be a light
that points others to
You, the Light of the world.
Light
up your world by reflecting the light of Jesus.
Insight
Paul tells the
followers of Christ in Philippi that they are lights among a “crooked and
perverse generation” (Phil. 2:15). But the progression of Paul’s thought should
be noted. When we live our lives in harmony and concern for others “without
complaining and disputing” (v.14), we become blameless and harmless and shine
in the world (v.15). Christ is made known in the world through us when our
lives reflect the humility and love of our Lord.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
