Light of the world

Light of the world

Scripture:

You are the light of the world. A town built 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 others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

Observation:

Our Lord then goes on to depict his followers as light, and in particular, the light to the world. The clarity of light shining in the darkness is given to us in the picture of a town on a hill, which can be seen from far away. Then the Lord further contrasts the correct and wrong ways of using light. No one puts light under a bowl, which will only shut out the light. Instead, people put light on a stand, to give light to everyone in the house. How do we give out light? By our good deeds, which will glorify our Father in Heaven.

Application:

Many of us tend to be lights shining under a bowl or a certain type of undercover Christian whereby people around us see us as no different than anyone else. We are mainly concerned with our own personal lives and sadly, have no time for the needs of those around us. Where does our light come from? In the book of John, Jesus also said “I am the light of the world”. The light that is in us, comes from the great light, our Lord Jesus Himself. When we have Jesus, light is something naturally within us, and it is for us to let it shine before others in the form of good works. We are not saved by good works, but rather, good works, are the natural outcome of those who are truly saved in Jesus. They are done not out of compulsion or reluctance, but out the joy and love of doing Jesus. If we feel we don’t have light to share, it is because we have not spent enough time with the Great light ourselves. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, we too are meant to reflect the light of our Lord. So let us endeavor to draw close to the Lord, and from there, let His light shine out to others in doing good!

Prayer:

I praise You, Lord Jesus, for You are the light of the world. You came to our world which was in absolute darkness and gave us light and hope. Forgive our sins we pray. Forgive us when we draw far from you, and allow our lights to dim. Draw us near again, precious Lord. Bathe us in Your precious light and so empower us that we cannot help but be a blessing to others. May Your name be praised forever, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.