Mankind has always been amazed by the universe. While gazing upon its vastness, he spent countless years discovering and assigning names to objects in space. This interest was vastly enhanced when the telescope was invented. In our day, viewing magnified photos from space is an experience beyond description. But when one looks around the world today, he or she has to wonder, “Where is the light?” For many there is no light. But friends, just think how good, pleasant and peaceful, and illuminated the world would be if mankind showed such interest in Jesus, the Son of God, and searched till they found Him; for He truly is the “light of the world” (John 8:12). For some this life may seem hopeless, but the good news is “Jesus can still be found!” For those who search for God will find Him (2 Chronicles 15:2).
The psalmist understood the need to magnify the Lord. He declared, “Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together” (Psalm 34:3). And from the pen of the apostle Paul, we read of his desire to exalt Christ in his life: “…according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death” (Philippians 1:20). He realized the importance of always seeking to exalt, enlarge the name of Jesus, and advance the cause of Christ. Is this not a greater pursuit for man than the magnification of worldly objects? How can disciples of Christ magnify Christ in their bodies?
Christians can magnify Christ by walking in the way of life. In his epistle to the Romans, Paul penned, “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).
The apostle John, writing of the glorious walk in Christ, penned, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
Saints can magnify Christ in their lives by developing a keen knowledge of the Word of God. Paul admonished the young gospel minister Timothy to “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
We can also magnify Him by seeking to do His will. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). The good works Christians do in service for God provide illumination for mankind.
God has provided the sun, moon, and lesser lights to provide light for man’s daily journey. He has also provided a way for those who seek spiritual illumination for their souls. Jesus said, “…I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12 )
In this present life, we have so little time and so much to do. What we make of this life is dependent upon how we see Jesus. Has your view of Jesus been clouded by mundane things? Perhaps you need to loosen your grip on the world and its things and exalt Jesus in your life. Are you magnifying Him in all aspects of your life?