Glean as you have need; but do not be mesmerized.

Sometimes we get caught in a daze of someone else’s backlights who is going in the same direction; So much that we get drawn in so close to them that we unconsciously tailgate, instead of just gleaning after them and getting what is needed for us to fulfill God’s purpose in our lives.

It is absolutely necessary to have examples of others who are ahead of us but God does not intend for us to be so indulged by their backlights that your own lights get absorbed by residing in the shadow of a forerunner’s reflection.

The bible says, “…I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12KJV

The bible is telling us that as long as we follow Jesus, we shall walk in light because we have the ‘light of life’. Therefore, he wants us to be able to see our lights; which means that because Jesus dwells within us, we must first see ourselves as ‘the light of the world.

So what’s next… the bible says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”. So we now, being the light of the world, we are to shine so that others who see Jesus in us, can also follow in light, ultimately becoming light also.

Take Ruth in the bible for example (Ruth chp. 2). Being a stranger in the land; She gleaned after the reapers in the field, in hope that she will find grace with Boaz. One of the most remarkable statements Boaz said to her was this, “…It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done…” Ruth chp. 2:11KJV. What an amazing thing it is, when you set out to follow and find grace and the master has seen your works. We know that Naomi walked with God and Ruth followed, but here we see that Ruth not only followed the light, but ultimately became light also.

Boaz continues to say, “The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.”

God knows all that you have suffered and lost, and he will repay you for all that you’ve done. So glean as you have need; but do not be mesmerized. Know that you are the light and You will be fully rewarded because you have trusted in the Lord.

Be Blessed.

G.M.