Matthew 5:14. “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.”
These are the words of our Savior Jesus Christ, declaring who we are in Him. We get our identity from our Lord and Master. True disciples are lights shining for God in a dark world of sin.
I John 1:5 says, God is light. Jesus Christ said, “I am the light of the world” according to John 8:12. Here in our text, Jesus says, “Ye are the light of the world”. What an enormous compliment! God is light, Christ is light and the believer is said to be the light of the world”. The believer is what God and Christ are: Light. No greater compliment could be paid the believer. But note: to be identified with God is an enormous responsibility as well as a compliment. Whatever light is and does, the believer is to be and do.
The believer’s character is light. Christ said, “I am the light of the world” John 8:12; 9:5. Here He says the disciple is to be like Him “the light of the world”. The disciple is to undergo a radical transformation: he is to BECOME like Christ more and more and to REFLECT the light of Christ. Light is and does several things.
- Light is clear and pure. It is clean, that is good, right and true. Notice with me what Ephesians 5:8-9 says; “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: Walk as the children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth)”.
- Light penetrates. By nature it cuts through and eliminates darkness. Notice with me what I Thessalonian 5:5 says; “Ye are all children of light, and the children of the day: We are not of the night, nor of darkness”.
- Light enlightens. It enlarges a person’s vision and knowledge of an area. Listen to the Words of Jesus: “Then Jesus said unto them, yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth” John 12:35.
Remember, Jesus said “You are the light of the world”. That’s who you are right now, not tomorrow, but today, right now! I say unto you – keep the light on and shine for Jesus in these last and evil days. No one can turn your light off because the “switch” to your light is your “will”. Keep the light on and light up where you are that the world might see Jesus in you. To be continued…
Please make plans to attend the International Leadership Seminar, May 18-21, 2015 in Columbia, SC. Don’t forget – “There yet remaineth very much land to be possessed” – and “People Matter”.
Much Love
Because He Is – I am
Presider
