Photo by Chris Barbalis on Unsplash
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 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.
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matt 5:14-16 NIV84) [see these verses in their context below]
The importance of light
To say light is valuable is more than an understatement. Its value is obvious. Light is both useful and powerful. Horror stories and movies, along with dystopian views of the future, always seem to highlight the value, usefulness, and power of light in contrast to the darkness.
In the beginning, when darkness covered the earth, light was God’s first creative act. On the fourth day of creation, God created lights to rule over the darkness—the sun, moon, and stars (Gen 1:1-3, 14-19).
When Jesus said, “you are the light of the world,” it reached back to the original purpose for light at the time of creation. As John reminds us, Jesus is the One who spoke all things into existence.
He is saying—the citizens of God’s Kingdom are to be like the light of the moon in the darkness of night. God’s people are to reflect the One who is the source of all light and life in the midst of the world’s darkness (Phil 2:14-16).
Insights
Let’s consider 3 ways light is useful and powerful—as a beacon, a guide, and a sign or signal.
Light as a beacon— Light provides visibility but also serves as a beacon or indicator. Examples of this are most obvious at night—road signs, porch lights, locator lights on an airplane, truck, or another vehicle (such as tail lights). The light of a beacon indicates the presence of something or someone.
Light as a guide— Light makes things more visible. When it’s dark, a candle, lantern, or flashlight are valuable for seeing a pathway. When walking into a dark room, you light a candle or lantern or turn a light switch on to see where you are going and what’s inside.
Light as a sign or signal— Just as light provides visibility and guidance, it can also serve as a caution or warning. Long before radar or other navigational instruments, a lighthouse on a rocky point helped sailors and ships avoid danger. Flashing lights on barricades set up on a road warn drivers of closed roads or dangerous areas.
When light is hidden or turned off, it loses its value and usefulness. The light of a lone candle in dark room filters into every corner and shadow. Several candles or other kinds of light combined together provide greater visibility for everyone.
I’ve seen this with the powerful lights in athletic stadiums and people holding up lighted cell phones in auditoriums as a sign of unity. One of my favorite church services is a Christmas Eve candlelight service.
Starting with one large candle representing Jesus, smaller candles are lit from the large one as each person shares their lighted candle to light others. Soon, the room is filled with the glow of many candles combined as one.
One light on a candlestick is good and useful but a collection of candles or lights is more powerful—like a city set on a hill.
Redefining the Nature of God’s Kingdom
Jesus said He was the Light of the world as long as He was present on the earth (John 1:4; 9:5). Jesus’ message to those gathered on the hillside looks ahead to when His followers would represent Him to the world as His church.
A city set on a hill is a picture of the strength of a community of believers. A church is to be a visible representation of the Lord to the world—like a beacon in whatever darkness surrounds it. The church is to be a source of spiritual guidance and an example and testimony of integrity for counsel and correction for those around it.
Likewise, each believer—each citizen of God’s Kingdom—is to be a visible example and testimony of the Lord Jesus, as His light among other people. Whatever good we may do is not to be noticed except in a way it honors God.
We are to be like the moon reflecting the light of the sun. We reflect the Son of God—the source of life and light for all humanity.
As each follower of Jesus walks in the light of His word of truth, guided by the Holy Spirit, we will honor the Lord and glorify the Father in heaven. The example of our life ought to point people towards God.
When the world around us sees a community of believers loving one another and living out the truth of God’s Word, we fulfill the declaration of Jesus in being the light of the world.
How are you a shining light for Jesus to others?
Do you regularly join in fellowship with other believers as a community of light where you live?
Reflection—
Citizens of God’s Kingdom—followers of Jesus—are to be a light to the world around them—as a beacon, guide, and sign that reflects the light of Jesus and whose life example honors the Father in heaven.
Prayer Focus—
If you sense the light of God in you is dim or becoming dim, ask the Lord to help you see how to reflect His goodness and life in all you do—whether in your home, your neighborhood, your workplace, or wherever you may be.
Devo Scripture Text
Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them saying:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
(Matthew 5:1-16 NIV84)