“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. — Matthew 5:14-16:
One of the most prolific teaching occasions that Jesus ever presented to his followers was from what we call the Sermon on the Mount. My wife and while we were in Israel, sat in that same field overlooking the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus most likely shared these truths. It was life changing.
When my youngest grandson turned six years old, I received a hand written personal invitation in the mail to attend his birthday party. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world — even if it did involve having to endure Chuck E Cheese’s for the umpteenth time. As the party continued at his home and all six of his birthday candles were being lit — and just as we were all in the process of inhaling to sing the traditional “Happy Birthday,” he abruptly stopped us, got up, ran over to a switch on the wall and turned out the lights. He wanted the candles on his birthday cake to shine brightly in the dark! He wanted his birthday light to shine.
Today we are confronted with one of the most profound, dynamic and complimentary statements our Lord ever made regarding his followers. It carries with it a huge responsibility. You’ll see what I mean. He calls us, “the light of the world.” Couple this with our Lord’s own statement that he is “the light of the world,” and you can see how powerful our partnership with Him is in reaching our culture for Christ. Now, by using the term “light of the world” he not only pronounces the importance of our future ministry, but he tells us how it will be accomplished. We will enjoy the indwelling presence of God himself.
Light illuminates. That’s obvious. But the more light there is, the less the darkness. Jesus uses the illustration of a house lamp, its purpose being to illuminate a room in a home, so that those within can see. No one lights a lamp and then covers it up, for that would defeat the purpose. Letting our light shine before men through our good deeds and good works are works that are so good that they will not give any glory to us but will bring all the glory to our “Father in heaven.”
Why not spend a portion of this day before it ends, asking God to direct you in how you can best let the light of Jesus shine through you with those around you. Let’s ask our Lord to take the cover off our lampstands, if necessary, and add some fuel to our flame. And when He does, remember — He will receive all the praise. My friends remember that Jesus calls you and me to be the light of the world. So let’s go to the power source and let Him shine through us. Maranatha!
Pastor Don
