Thursday, August 10, 2006
Matthew 5:14 "You are the light of the world."
LET THERE BE LIGHT
This sinful world in which we live is full of darkness -- the darkness of ignorance, falseness, blindness and spiritual death. The whole world lies in darkness under the dominion of the prince of darkness. But "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil (1 John 1:8).
And the Christ who said, "I am the Light of the world." now says to you and to me: "You are the light of the world."
Jesus is the Light of life. His forgiveness dispels the darkness of sin-slavery and death eternal. Christians carrying this light radiate this Gospel into the world. We are lights reflecting Christ -- and so give light to dying sinners.
When God created the universe the creation of light was a two-step process. On the first day God created light in and of itself. Then, on the fourth day He created the light-bearers: the sun, moon and stars. These lamps the Lord lit and hung in the heavens.
In dispelling the darkness of sin and death in this world God the Father first sent His Son into the world. The son of God in turn sends His disciples into the world. Through us the light of Christ shines into the darkness of the world. We are not the source of the light we radiate, Christ is. We are light-bearers, just as our Savior said: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
As reborn sons of God we will naturally want to live and work in such a way that our Father be glorified (known, acknowledged, honored, adored). Remember how Jesus lived always for his Father and for his neighbor? That is exactly how we will want to live.
If we are Christians, Jesus says we are His lights. That fact is not at issue. But . . . how about wattage?
