Derek Prince was one of our time’s greatest Bible teachers, but hearing the story of his conversion impacted me so much because it was truly supernatural. His parents were English, but he was born in India. He studied Greek and Latin in Eton College and the University of Cambridge. At the young age of 25 years old, he was already a Philosophy professor. He served in the Medical field of the military during World War II for five years. It was then when he began to read the Bible; he was very confused because he didn’t understand a lot of what he was reading. There, he met four Christian men and was impacted by their lives, they had something different about them. He began to pray,  ̈ God, give me what they have ̈. God answered his prayer: he was born again (which happened between him and God alone), was baptized two weeks later and spoke in tongues. New birth is immediate, you don’t need a lot of time to see a change.  

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14 NKJV)

What does the word light mean?
Light: makes things visible, illuminates places and things

1. Light exposes the darkness

“But everything exposed by the light becomes visible…” (Ephesians 5:13a NIV)

When someone has the light of Jesus in their heart, His light makes whatever is incorrect within them leave. This is why when we encounter the cross, the first thing we do is confess all of our sins.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.”
Martin Luther King Jr.

Jesus’ light exposes your sin.
And you know what? God loves the sinner, but hates sin.
He is willing to forgive those who humbly draw near him with a heart of repentance.

2. You represent Jesus

There are people who completely damage the image of what it’s like to be a Christian. They’re either too religious or too liberal. There’s always that super religious Christian aunt whose lifestyle is of zero motivation to go to church. Funny enough, I’m an aunt to many nieces and nephews now.

“While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:5 NIV)

When Jesus was on earth, He was the light of the world. When He ascended to Heaven, He left us, the church, as His representatives.

The Old Testament tells us about The Tabernacle, which had two compartments, The Holy Place and The Holy of Holies. Just like the lampstand was the only source of light in the Holies of Holies, we are the only source of light in the world. Don’t compare yourself to other Christians, live your life for God! If there are people who don’t live by the right principles, it’s best to take some distance and determine that you will be different. 

3. The light needs oil

The oil represents the Holy Spirit. The truth is we cannot be light if we are not first filled with the Holy Spirit. Just like you need oil to light the lampstand, we need His fire and anointing to preach to others.

“He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Luke 3:16 NKJV)

Can you imagine being baptized by fire? That’s what God wants to do for you. Maybe your heart was once on fire to preach His Word, but it’s not anymore. I know God has chosen you to be light. Don’t be afraid because it will be the Spirit talking through you.