Are You A Laser Light or A Twenty Watt Bulb?

“You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.”  (Matt. 5:13-14).

Hey Gang:  In Gramps last Morning Message you were ‘salt that reflects your relationship with Father God’; today you are that light that reflects your love for Abba Father.  The two are essential ingredients in your “Go into all the world and preach or witness the gospel.”   Having driven home the point that we are to be salt, Jesus now turns His attention to our need to also be Christ-filled witnesses.

It may well be said that the greatest compliment that was ever paid to a Christian is to be called “the light of the world”.   Jesus said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”  (John 9:5).  In other words, when He taught that His followers should be the “light of the world”, He was teaching them to be “Like Him”.   

When Jesus used this phrase it was familiar to the Jews.  They often referred to Jerusalem as “a light to the Gentiles,” and a famous Rabbi was often called “a lamp of Israel”.   But they were also adamant that no man kindles his own light!  Without our being connected to God’s power supply, our light will be like a hot ember that is taken from the fire, laid aside and soon loses is power.

The radiance that shines from the Christian comes from the presence of Christ within the Christian’s heart, and that requires ongoing maintenance under God in His tutoring program.   

Jesus completed his teaching on “Letting your light shine” with another challenge “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (V.16).  The Greek word used here for ‘good’ not only means that our works should not only be seen, but also they should be beautiful, attractive and filled with God’s love and compassion. 

These are very dark days when one has to search to find folks who are filled with God’s salt, and God’s light.  In this day, when we see man’s cruelty to man all around us, we need take heed of John’s words: “If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His So cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 6-7).

So, my friends who are in Christ, is your light as one that is on a hilltop?  One that can be seen by the world?  Or is it hidden under bucket?  As you progress through your day, at you a light that radiates God’s love.  In other words, are you a seed planter of hope to a lost and dying world?    Have you prepared for this day by plugging into God’s battery charger, which is the word of God?

Blessings,

Gramps

PS Good read!

Matthew 5:13-16 The Message (MSG) Salt and Light

¹³ “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

^14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.