Be Light
Scripture Reading — Matthew 5:13-16
13"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. 14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither 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. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
"You are the light of the world." Matthew 5:14
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses two simple yet powerful images to describe our role in this world. We are called to be salt and light.
We are to stand in the midst of a world darkened by sin and shine for him. We are to give warmth and life to the people around us.
When Christians conceal their faith or keep it to themselves, no one benefits. The people around them remain confused in the dark about the truth.
But when Christians reveal their faith and let their light shine, things change.
One day a fellow went into his basement and made an interesting discovery. Some potatoes had sprouted in the darkest corner of the room.
At first he couldn't figure out how the potatoes had gotten enough light to begin to grow. Then he noticed a copper kettle hanging from the ceiling near a window on the opposite end of the basement. The kettle was polished so brightly that it reflected the rays of the sun onto the potatoes.
That morning the man had been studying this passage from Matthew 5 for his devotions. Instantly he thought, "I need to be like that copper kettle, brightly polished, catching the rays of God's Son and reflecting his light to someone living in a dark corner of my world."
Lord Jesus, may we today live as your agents of light to a darkened and confused world. Make our witness for you be effective, bearing fruit for your glory. Amen.
About the author — Dan Jongsma
Daniel Jongsma serves as an interim pastor in Fulton, Illinois. He has pastored congregations in Elmhurst and Fulton, Illinois; in Dearborn, Michigan; and in Nashville, Tennessee. Dan also served as a church planter in the Chicago area. He and his wife, Gloria, have three daughters and four grandchildren.
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