August 26, 2014

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

When Jesus declared His followers are "the salt of the earth" and the "light of the world" He is using the indicative mood in each case. In other words, He is stating a fact! He is not saying "you might be" or "you could be" or "you should be" he is saying you ARE salt and light!

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

So, If you are a believer and Jesus is in you and Jesus is light you will be light! 

How could it be otherwise?

What is the nature of this light?

First, the light is His Word

Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by me." (John 14:6)

John wrote, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."  (John 1:1-5)

In the Bible truth is represented by light and ignorance is represented by darkness.

When Jesus referred to Himself as the "Light of the world" He is declaring He is the truth! And when He calls you "the light of the world" He is stating that you are a bearer of His truth to a dark world.

Second, the light is your witness

Jesus tells us in these verses that our good works are a witness to the light of God in us. The purpose of our witness is to glorify God.

What are those good works?

Being merciful is a good work. When someone gives you grief and you give them grace, that glorifies God!

Being pure in heart is a good work. When love motivates your thoughts, words and deeds that gives glory to God!

Being a peacemaker is a good work. When you step into discord or dissension and bring peace, you bring glory to God.

Third, the light is a warning

I was driving back from the Richmond airport last week and a light flashed on in my dashboard. It said "maintenance required". 

I took that as a warning and got it checked out as soon as I could. It turned out to be a false alarm but I was glad I had it looked at.

Jesus places His "lights" in the world to share the Word and to show a witness but also to give a warning to those lost in darkness.

The only way I knew that I had fallen short of the glory of God was because His people by the Word and by their witness shined light on my darkness.

I am very thankful God sent a warning light to lead me out of darkness into His light!

You are the light of the world!

Will you shine His light today?

Will you show His light today?

Will you send a warning light?