This Little Light of Mine

Isaiah 49:1-7 (January 18, 2026)

Hey everyone, I'm so glad we're all here together! As we continue the season of Epiphany in the church calendar, we're focusing on "Glory Revealed".

When people talk about God's glory, they often think of big and amazing things like beautiful sunsets or miracles from a long time ago. But today, our journey through the Bible takes us somewhere new - it asks us to look at how God shows His glory through each one of us.

Let me ask you to imagine this: we're all sitting in a completely dark room where you can't see anyone around you, not even your own hand. It's a bit unsettling, right? But then someone turns on a single flashlight and everything changes. That small beam of light creates a path for us, helps us see each other's faces, and makes us feel safe again.

In the flashlight in the dark exercise, we realize that it only takes one person to make a big difference and change the whole atmosphere. This is what our calling is all about today: being those people who shine God's light for others.

As we read Isaiah 49:1-7, we can meet a mysterious figure called the "Servant of the Lord". For a long time, people have been trying to figure out who this servant is - is it the prophet Isaiah himself, or even the whole nation of Israel?

John Calvin, a famous theologian, had also thought about this, and he was convinced that the Servant was actually Jesus Christ, the Messiah. But here's what's really interesting: Calvin saw Jesus as the Head, and us the Church as part of His body. He said that just like a single seed contains many seeds within it, Jesus is the central figure with all believers connected to Him. This means when we read these words in Isaiah, we're not just thinking about Jesus - we're also thinking about ourselves. It's an invitation to step into the story and say, "You know what? I'm part of this Servant too."

Let's think about the weight of what we've been called to do. From before we were even born, God had a plan for us and had already given us a purpose. He named us and set us apart for something special. But here's the thing: it's not because we're amazing or talented - it's because He wants to use us to bring glory to Himself. We're called to be like light in a dark world, sharing His love with those around us.

But let's be honest - sometimes we feel completely unworthy of that responsibility. We look back on our lives and think about all the times we could have done more or said less, and we wonder if we're even up for the task.

But guess what? The Servant in Isaiah felt exactly the same way! In verse 4, he says, "I've worked hard, but it's been for nothing. I've used up my energy, but I don't see any results." It sounds like someone who's feeling frustrated and disappointed.

Maybe you've been there too - pouring your heart into something that didn't turn out the way you wanted it to. What did you do when faced with those feelings of failure?

Let's look at how the Servant in Isaiah responds to feeling overwhelmed and uncertain: He says, "I know my cause is with God, and I'll get my reward from Him" (Isaiah 49:4). It's like a reminder that we're called to be carriers of light, even when it feels like too much for us.

It is worth to take a close look at what he says, “In the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away” (Isaiah 49:2). God took the Servant aside and made him into a sharp arrow.

At first, being put in the quiver might sound like being stuck or sidelined. But for an archer, the quiver is actually where the arrow goes to be protected from getting bent out of shape by the elements. If an arrow spends too much time exposed to moisture, heat, or rough handling, it can get distorted and, in return, miss its mark.

This ancient metaphor helps us see that when we feel hidden or like we're not being used, it's not because God has forgotten us - it's actually because He's keeping us sharp and ready for the moment when we'll be called to "fly". We might think of this as a period of waiting, but really it's just God maintaining our integrity so that when the time comes, we can make a true impact.

There was a powerful message at the Golden Globe Awards recently. A singer and song-writer named EJAE won the Best Original Song trophy, but what she said in her speech was inspiring. She talked about how she had worked tirelessly for 10 years to become a K-pop idol, only to be rejected and told her voice wasn't good enough. But instead of giving up, she saw rejection as an opportunity to try again - to "redirect" herself towards something better.

And here's what I love: she meant that no matter how hard life gets, it's never too late to shine like we were meant to all along. She's right! We may feel unworthy or like we're not doing enough, but God is still working through us - even when we can't see the results yet.

Sometimes, our calling requires us to step into difficult situations where things might seem hopeless. But if we still hold onto God's light, we'll discover that His glory is already present, even in the darkest places.

This journey can feel overwhelming and lonely, like walking through a dense fog with no clear path ahead. But here's the thing: you're not alone! Just like Aslan, the Great Lion, walked beside Shasta in C.S. Lewis's story, The Horse and His Boy, God walks alongside us every step of the way.

Shasta was extremely tired and hungry, for he didn’t eat anything for a while. Therefore, he felt he was extremely unfortuate. And he heard a voice.

“I do not call you unfortunate,” said the Large Voice.

“Don’t you think it was bad luck to meet so many lions?” said Shasta.

“There was only one lion.” said the Voice.

“What on earth do you mean? I’ve just told you there were at least two lions the first night, and -”

“There was only one, but he was swift of foot.”

“How do you know?”

“I was the lion.”

And as Shasta gaped with open mouth and said nothing, the Voice continued. “I was the lion who forced you to join with Aravis. I was the cat who comfroted you among the houses of the dead. I was the lion who drove the jackals from you as you slept. I was the lion who gave the Horses the new strength of fear for the last mile so that you should reach King Lune in time. And I was the lion you do not remember who pushed the baot in which you lay, a child near death, so that it came to shore where a man sat, wakeful at midnight, to receive you.”

“Then it was you who wounded Aravis?”

“It was I.”

“But what for?”

“Child,” said the Voice, “I am telling you your story, not hers. I tell no one any story but his own.”

“Who are you?” asked Shasta.

“Myself,” said the Voice, very deep and low so that the earth shook: and again “Myself,” loud and clear and gay: and then the third time “Myself,” whispered so softly you could hardly hear it, and yet it seemed to come from all around you as if the leaves rustled with it.

God might not take away the darkness, but He does remove our feelings of loneliness.

In Isaiah 49, we see how the Servant works in partnership with God, and that's exactly what we're called to do too. We build this "cathedral of light" by using our words wisely - just like a sharp sword cuts through obstacles, or polished arrows fly straight and true.

So, let's ask ourselves: are our words causing harm or bringing light in our daily lives? Do they inspire others to be their best selves, or do they add to the darkness? To truly "be a light to the nations" means using language that uplifts and encourages, rather than tearing down.

As we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day tomorrow, I want to share with you an incredible story about Fannie Lou Hamer, a Civil Rights activist who showed us what it means to shine like a light in the darkest moments.

In 1963, Fannie was arrested and brutally beaten in a jail cell in Mississippi - a moment that must have felt like absolute darkness. But instead of giving up or losing hope, she did something remarkable: she started singing a song. Do you what song she sang? It was this:

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine,

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

It's hard to imagine what it took for her to find the courage to sing in the midst of such pain and fear.

Fannie's story reminds us that even when we're faced with overwhelming challenges, we have a choice. We can let the darkness consume us, or we can hold onto our faith and shine like a light, just as she did.

Her voice filled the jailhouse with the song "This Little Light of Mine", and soon other prisoners joined in. She was using her words as a powerful tool for good, shining light into the darkness.

Her story reminds us that we can do the same thing - let our lights shine brightly where we are, whether it's at home, at work or in our neighborhoods. We don't have to wait until we're in some grand, dramatic situation like Fannie was. We can be a light every day, in every interaction, and in every conversation.

And here's the amazing part: this isn't just about us as individuals - it's about being part of something bigger than ourselves. God's promise is that He wants to use each one of us as a light to shine His love and salvation into the world. We're not exclusive - we were created to be blessings to everyone, no matter where they come from or who they are.

As we start this new year, let's take a closer look at our own communities and see where God's light is shining through. Maybe it's in photos on the church announcement PowerPoint or the Fireside Room walls - these are reminders that even in our everyday lives, we're seeing God's glory revealed.

Caring for creation and our neighbors is a powerful way to show what our faith looks like in real life. But being a light also means acknowledging the darkness that exists - naming the places where evil and suffering hide. We can't just pretend it doesn't exist; we have to face it head-on, but with hope.

When we feel worn out, worried, or weary, let's remember that we're not the source of the light - God is. We're just reflectors of His love and goodness. If we stay connected to Him, we become a part of the very light we're proclaiming.

As we move forward, I want you to think about one small action you can take in your home, school, workplace, or community to make a positive impact. It could be as simple as holding the door open for someone, listening to someone who needs an ear, or speaking up against injustice.

When we feel lost or in the dark ourselves, let's remember that God's love is available to us too. We can reflect His love by choosing words that uplift and encourage others, rather than tearing them down. Will our words be "polished arrows" of kindness and compassion, or will they be weapons of division?

Please remember that we were named before we were born for a purpose, equipped with a mouth meant for truth and a heart meant for service. Even when it feels like we've labored in vain, God's work is secure in His hands.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, let's step out into this new year with extraordinary purpose, carrying the flashlight of God's love and grace into every dark corner we encounter. Through us, His glory is truly revealed.

Message Prayer

Holy God, You named us from the womb to reveal Your glory. When we feel our labor is in vain, remind us You are the Source. Now help us speak truth with love and serve the world through Jesus. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.