What changed this man? All the townsfolk despised old Scrooge and waited for him to die. No one had faith that he could ever change his ways and see the light.
Well, on Christmas Eve, Scrooge had three uninvited guests come into his home. First, a ghost from the past revealed to Scrooge the times already lived. Nothing remained hidden and the hurts appeared one by one that built the hard heart of Scrooge. He pleaded with each memory not to see anymore. Second, a ghost of present time revealed the current ugliness of Scrooge's life. The ghost made known the troubles of poor souls all around town that Scrooge could not see due to his own selfish, greedy life.
Lastly, a ghost of yet to come appeared to old Scrooge. The townsfolk celebrated, snickered at joyous comments of a wretched man finally dead. Smiles filled the faces of many to know that evil left the town. Scrooge finds that evil to be him. He pleads with the spirit that this night has changed him for the better and he now wants to follow the right path. He begs to change the yet to come by leaving the wretched man behind and living generously and lovingly.
"Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said:
“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." (Ephesians 5:6-17)
Wake up and start today following the light. Our future will not be revealed to us as Scrooge experienced. But, be assured that living in darkness and centered around self will lead to a destructive future. Many fear coming into the light and remain comfortable in the dark. Why? Because, like Scrooge, coming in to the light reveals all the sins hiding in the darkness. Many fear all their past ugliness, hurt, sadness or sins can never be erased. Oh, but they are erased. Jesus died on the cross to wash away ALL SINS. As you accept Him and believe in Him, your future becomes fixed and a room waits in Heaven for you.
Continue each day living in the light and following His commands. Be His children and make wise choices. Take every opportunity presented and be His hands and feet. Love others as He has loved you. Just as Scrooge turned his life around to change what would have been; you can begin today to follow God and turn your life around to allow His light to shine through you.
As Scrooge sees his grave, he says, "These events can be changed! A life can be made right." A life can be made right when accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Do not let this world deceive you, but stay focused on His Will!
God, thank you for another day. I will follow You WHEREVER, WHENEVER, and WHATEVER is commanded by You. I want no darkness in my life. Reveal any selfish, greedy, unkind or hateful ways in me so I may change to follow Your Will. Thank You for Scripture to fill me with Truth that I may obey. Shine Your light through me each day and continue using me to further Your Kingdom. I love You.
Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig
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