In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

• Matthew 5:16

“He was angry at that and had me escorted to my cell.
“The next day, I was brought before him again. He said, “I couldn’t sleep. I was thinking over what you said about Jesus. I don’t know anything about Him. We have plenty of time for interrogation. First, tell me what you know about Jesus.” Only the Lord could orchestrate something of this significance. ‘Jesus is the Light of the world. No one who believes in Him remains in darkness. Is there darkness in your life?’
” ‘Darkness? There is no light in my life,’ he answered. “I hate my work. My wife is in Germany, which is being heavily bombed. She may be dead.’  …
“Years later, I met him in Germany, and I asked, ‘Did you bring your sins to Jesus?’
” ‘No, I did not. I am a very good man and have not committed sin.’
” ‘I am sorry you think that because that means you cannot have salvation. If the time comes when you know you have sinned, don’t forget what I said. Jesus won’t reject you if you call on Him.’
“He thought a moment and said, ‘I know one sin that I’ve done.’ ”

• Corrie ten Boom, God is my Hiding Place

“In every dark trail, I have the opportunity to bring light and release those imprisoned in darkness. I will shine my light.”

• Corrie ten Boom, Highlighted Quote

Boilerplate

In this new mini-series, I will be looking at a devotion that is said to be written by Corrie ten Boom.  Really, this devotion is like several that I had read.  They come from the writings of that person.  Thus, the prayers at the end may be the editor’s addition to what Corrie ten Boom actually wrote.

Each of these posts will include the suggested verses to read, a quote from the writing that came from a Corrie ten Boom book (five in all according to the copyright page, but no chapter in the book is given the specific book of origin).  I will also include the highlighted quote, similar to an internet quotation, and I will end with the quoted prayer for that devotion.

Discussion

Tante Corrie was in prison at this point, before going to two different concentration camps.  The judge disliked what she had said about how she was a Bible study teacher for handicapped youth.  The Nazis tried to exterminate them as much as they did the Jews.  Thus, he disliked her answer in court.  He could have sent her to a death camp, but instead, he asked her questions and became her friend due to her boldness.

But in the light of the prejudices in that situation, she could have been coached to avoid making the judge angry.  But Corrie was honest and in the face of possible death, she boldly let the light shine forth.

Even after she realized that she had been blessed by an angry judge not sentencing her to death, she continued to share the Gospel on her second visit.

But the book does not say how they met again.  It only says they had become friends.  My wife was a Dutch woman of sorts.  I think Corrie looked up the old friend to renew their relationship after the war was over.  All it said was many years later.

She knew she had planted the seed, but had he accepted Jesus?  She saw it through, and God had been at work all those years.

The key is to be bold in the face of danger.  Call upon the Holy Spirit.  God will see you through.

Closing Prayer

“Father, how difficult it is to love my enemies without Your help! I know the only way for me to release Your light with power is by having a pure heart filled with compassion. Lord Jesus, purify my heart and remove any hatred I have toward those who have done evil. You died for everyone without exception. We all need Your mercy. And I need it, too. Help me to see each person through Your eyes.”

• Corrie ten Boom, God is my Hiding Place (prayer for Day 31, Releasing the Light within)

Soli Deo Gloria.  Only to God be the Glory.