Music Monday: “Jesus Glow” by Abe Parker
By: Debbie Waltz
We commemorated my niece Rebekah’s high school graduation this weekend. As I reflected on Rebecca’s graduation, my thoughts meandered back to her impressive development. She progressed from her early days as a Girl Scout to her more recent engagement in robotics. Furthermore, she commendably mentored younger swimmers by sharing her expertise. She achieved the highest GPA in her class,and she also extended her support generously to anyone who sought assistance.
Graduating from a Christian school provided a strong foundation, empowering her to excel academically and spiritually. Her education has provided her with the essential skills for her career, as well as the biblical understanding required to navigate the world and share the hope of Jesus with others. For certain individuals, our interaction could be their very first with Christianity. That’s why our words carry the same weight as our actions. As 1 Peter 3:15 says: “But in your hearts revere Christ the Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
Being Christians, our changed lives serve as a beacon of light and hope for a world in search of meaning and purpose. This demonstrates the deep reality of trusting in God’s provision during difficult times. It’s not about our lives becoming effortless, but about Jesus constantly shaping us into His image. We’ll undoubtedly have moments where we struggle and fall back into familiar patterns. Yet, God will invariably bridge the gap for us.
Two contrasting metaphors are used in the Gospels to describe the Christian life. The first topic concerns salt and is not always noticeable.The second topic, however, is light and deals with visibility.
In the first topic, Jesus said that we are to be like salt – to be like a preservative and tasteful presence in the world around us. In the Sermon on the mount Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” (Matthew 5:13)
After this, Jesus introduced the second topic when he said that believers should “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt 5:13–16). Paul also said believers will glow to the people in the world: “Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”( Phillipians 2:15)
Although Abe Parker’s song “Jesus Glow” directly addresses women, it highlights the contrast we need to demonstrate to the world. Even though we are imperfect and prone to sin, God’s mercy allows Him to assist us in our transformation toward His image. This song suggests reflecting Jesus’ light to inspire others to notice the difference in you and start asking questions. This could present fresh avenues for spreading the gospel to our communities, offering people hope and encouragement to persevere.
We are God’s ambassadors after all .(2 Corinthians 5: 20)