July and August 2017

From Steve’s Desk

​The Dog Days of Summer are almost upon us. Have you ever pondered exactly what that phrase actually means?  Well, it may not mean exactly what we think.
 
We think that it has its meaning in the extreme heat that is associated with our summers, especially in the Midwest, but that really isn’t where it originates.  It does have to do with the days of late summer of July and August, but it has to do with the rising of Canis Major (The Dog Star constellation) and Lepus (The Hare Star constellation) that occurs in late July.  I have never been too wrapped up in the stars, but I do appreciate a star filled night.  We often look forward to seeing the stars when we travel to Haiti.  The stars seem so much closer to earth there than at home.  You can see them with more detail and vividness.    You can even track the movements of satellites and the Space Station.  It is all so cool from Haiti.  The truth of why we can see the stars so much better in Haiti is because there is so much “earthly” light coming from around us, that the star light does not appear as bright.  I suppose we can understand that even from our own rural setting as compared to the brightness of a big city.  The more light we have around us, the less we will see the stars above us.
 
I think this is a perfect analogy for us in keeping our eyes on Jesus, the one true light.  In the Old Testament, Isaiah recorded the prophecy that the people living in darkness will see a great light.  That light was and is Jesus.  Are we the people living in darkness? 
 
Yes, but it may not be a literal darkness.  You see, in our world today, we have many distractions that can take our focus off of God and His ways.  There is so much competition that we do not see the true light.   This means we have to focus and keep focused on Jesus the source of the true light and not be distracted. 
 
There is no light that is as strong!  No light that is as bright! There is no light but His that leads us heavenward. 
 
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Matthew 8:12
 
Jesus is the true light in this world that does lead us heavenward.  We have to keep our focus on it!
 
Hebrews 12:2 - fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
 
Don’t be confused by the dim lights of this world – focus on the one true light!