Shine On

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

Matthew 5:14

In children church we sang the song, This Little Light of Mine. It was a favorite for sure, but as children, we didn’t have full understanding of the necessity of being carriers of light in a dark world. That simple song went on to say we are to shine all around our neighborhood, not to hide our light under a bushel, or let Satan blow it out, but let is shine, all the time, let it shine.

Chapter five of the book of Matthew covers so many big topics. With the public ministry of Jesus beginning, this chapter is like his “State of the Messianic Kingdom” speech. The Old Testament had laws that Jesus has come to complete and the explanation of the lifestyle appropriate for those who choose to live in His kingdom. The expectations have moved up because we have experience and know the One that the Old Testament prophesied would come called Jesus. In this context, Jesus shares the beatitudes, which are God’s principles of righteousness that we must live through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus also speaks of His expectation of how we reach and treat each other in everyday life.

Such a mandate of Jesus is the opportunity to become light to others. One of the truths that Jesus shares in Chapter 5:14, 16 is, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden…..In the same way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Think about it, we are strategically set in a location where we are seen by others. This location allows others to see us clearly and the light in our life has the potential to draw them to Jesus who declares, “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). This is exactly the point; we are light to our world because the light of the world dwells with us. It is our responsibility to emulate our Lord in such a way, that others are drawn to accept Jesus. Yes, let it shine, all the time, let it shine!

Pastor Ruth Kaunley