Be The Light

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Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Devotion:

Matthew 5:14-16 is a powerful passage where Jesus calls His followers to be the light of the world. This scripture is part of the Sermon on the Mount, a collection of teachings that encapsulate the core of Jesus' message. Here, Jesus uses the metaphor of light to describe the role and impact of His disciples in the world.

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matthew 5:14, NIV). Light, by its very nature, is meant to be seen. It dispels darkness and reveals what is hidden. When Jesus calls us the light of the world, He is emphasizing that our lives should visibly reflect His truth and love. Just as a city on a hill is prominent and visible from a distance, our faith should be evident in our actions and attitudes.

"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." (Matthew 5:15, NIV). This verse highlights the purpose of light—to illuminate. A lamp hidden under a bowl is rendered useless. In the same way, our faith should not be concealed or kept private. Jesus encourages us to place our light on a stand, meaning we should live out our faith openly and boldly. Our good deeds, kindness, and actions should shine brightly, providing guidance and inspiration to those around us.

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, NIV). The ultimate goal of letting our light shine is to bring glory to God. When people observe our good deeds, they should be not just directed to the source of our light—our Heavenly Father, but also inspired and influenced by our actions. Our lives serve as a powerful testimony to God's grace and goodness, drawing others towards Him.

In a world often filled with darkness and despair, the call to be the light is more critical than ever. It is a call to integrity, compassion, and visible faith. Each act of kindness, each moment of integrity, and each expression of love is a beacon that reflects God's presence in our lives. Let us strive to shine brightly, illuminating the path for others and glorifying our Father in heaven.

Prayer:

            Lord, let us burn with passion for you. May all who know us see the light of Christ burning within us. Let us together be a bright and burning wildfire that devours the darkness that surrounds us. May all who see the light in us be attracted like a moth to the flame. May they be changed by their encounter with us as we show forth the love of Jesus. Even so, Lord, come quickly. Amen

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