The
Taj Mahal is widely recognized as “the jewel of Muslim art in India.” Built by
Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, in memory of his third wife, it took thousands of
artisans nearly 20 years to complete. Having looked at many pictures of this magnificent
structure, I must admit that it was quite impressive to see for myself. There
is a picture and a business card holder of the Taj Mahal in my office that
constantly reminds me of this experience. Each time my eyes meet that picture
or I take a card from that card holder, I am reminded to pray for the people of
India.
Visitors
are not permitted to take photographs inside. In fact, there is a sign posted
at the entrance that reads, “Please, no photographs inside mausoleum.” Did you catch that? The Taj Mahal, a world-renowned
landmark, is actually a tomb. Shah Jahan’s third wife is buried inside. Upon
entering, you are immediately met by a staircase that descends to the tomb. It
is closed, so no one is permitted to enter the tomb area. However, there is a replica
on the first floor. According to Muslim tradition, it’s forbidden to walk over
a grave. Therefore, a replica was constructed over the tomb to keep this from
happening.
As
I walked around in this ornate, marble structure with precious stone inlays, I
pondered the millions of dollars that went into its construction. Do you find
it ironic that a tomb, something that represents death, stands as one of the premier
landmarks in this part of the world? I do. I thought of Isaiah’s words, “The
people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who will live in a
dark land, the light will shine on them” (9:2). I also recalled Paul’s words, “The
wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23).
There
are millions of people walking in darkness – from West Columbia, South Carolina
where our church is located to the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. Many don’t know
they are in darkness, but they’re searching for answers to the most basic
questions of human existence. Why are we here? How did we get here? Friends,
God has not left us in the dark, but has given us clear answers to those
questions. He has given us His Word, but most importantly, He has given us the
Word made flesh Who dwelt among us
(John 1:14). Indeed, Light has come.
Isaiah
9:2 refers to the Messiah, who would come as light in a dark world. This Light
was not Muhammad, Buddha, or the 300 million gods of the Hindus. No, this Light
was Jesus who said, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not
walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life” (John 8:12). He also said, “I
came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Jesus did
not come to make bad people good; He came to make dead people alive!
Let
us pray for the Light to dispel darkness in our world and for the dead to
be raised to new life in Christ. Let us also be obedient to go and shine the
light “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest
part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
Serving
Together,
Your
Pastor
