by Rev Douglas Brauner

The light of God’s love shines in the backstreets of our cities.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” 
Psalm 27:1 English Standard Version

There is an underbelly to every city. Some people like to dwell in that underbelly and others stay away from it. Some people are okay visiting these dark alleys, and back streets, in the light of day, but avoid them at all cost when darkness settles on the city.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

This underbelly is much different than the face of the city.

Excitement, laughter, and movement fill the face of the city. There are lights, cars, and people on the main streets. Some of that exists in the alleys too, but not with the same allure.

Can God’s light shine in this underbelly of our cities?

The obvious answer is, yes. In fact, most of us would loudly declare that it can and does. Jesus died and rose for alley dwellers, but how does light shine in those areas where we are afraid to venture? I’m not advocating that all of us stop what we’re doing and head to the back streets of our cities. Most of us are not equipped for that kind of ministry, but there are those of us who are.

At one time some of us dwelt in those alleys. We called them home. We spoke the language of the people. However, God’s light shone into the alley and saved us, and now we have a heart for the people who dwell in the underbelly of our cities. I thank God for those of you who have this calling and do this work in his name.

The rest of us don’t need to throw up our hands and say that there is nothing we can do. God has given us the means to support those who serve in the alleys, and back streets, of our cities. Our gifts are valuable. Our prayers make a difference.

Let’s not forget about the underbelly. The light of God’s salvation in Jesus shines there.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado