Luke 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel. I. EXPLAIN THE IMPORT OF THE TEXT. 1. The character of Jesus is exhibited under the image of light — the most glorious of all the creatures of God. (1) Among the properties of light are penetration and universality. Light would have been an inappropriate image, in reference to Christ, had He not intended to illuminate the world. Not to a district, not to an empire, not to one quarter of the globe, does that glorious boon — light — confine its influences. It visits all in their turn. It burns within the torrid zone, it reaches the dark and distant poles; it proceeds with a gradual, yet inconceivable speed, in its restless career, till it has enlightened the whole. (2) Light is a source of comfort (Ecclesiastes 11:7). (3) Another quality of light is purity. It is this which renders it a fit emblem of Deity (1 John 1:5). 2. The subjects of His influences — "The Gentiles" — i.e., all nations that have not yet heard the tidings of the gospel in Him. 3. The result of the manifestation of Christ to the world will be universal illumination. He rises upon the nations to "lighten" them. II. APPLY ITS TESTIMONY TO MISSIONARY EXERTIONS. 1. Examine the principles on which they are founded. (1) They are founded in nature. The same cause should produce the same effects. Whoever sincerely loves the Saviour will feel a proportionate attachment to His laws, His people, His interests. He cannot sit down indifferent to the last, any more than he can consent to break the first. (2) They are founded on the purest principles of reason. Missionary effort must be used as a means, to bring about the end in view — the spread of the gospel. God employs in the meantime human instruments for the carrying out of His Divine purposes. (3) They are founded on the purest principles of humanity. The gospel is the only effectual remedy of all this world s evil and misery. (4) They are founded on the purest principles of patriotism. Religious lethargy precedes national ruin; patriotism, therefore, calls for the support of religious zeal. (5) They are founded on the purest principles of religion. 2. The considerations by which we are encouraged. (1) Revelation. (2) Experience. (3) Existing circumstances. Is there not crying need throughout the world of those consolations which the gospel alone can bring, and of the Saviour whom the gospel alone proclaims? (W. B. Collyer, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.WEB: a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel." |
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