You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. Matthew 5:14 WEB
Hebrew scripture uses light as a cultural symbol of godliness, truth, and righteousness. In human perception, light extinguishes darkness and darkness is synonymous with evil, corruption, and sin. Jesus teaches in John 8:12, “Again, therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.’ WEB”
Filled with the Holy Spirit, with Christ in our hearts, believers express the light of godliness that comes from Jesus. The light of Christ makes known the difference between good and evil.
Just as turning on a light switch illuminates the objects in a room or the sun makes the landscape visible, Christ brings all things to light. As we read in Luke 8:17, “For nothing is hidden, that will not be revealed; nor anything secret, that will not be known and come to light. WEB”
Let Your Light Shine
Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:14 teach his followers their impact on the world. Like a city on a hill, they cannot be hidden. Followers of Christ are an example to the world of the righteousness of the Lord. Like a city on a hill, we are not meant to be hidden. Rather, Christ commands the faithful to shine the light of the Lord into a dark, fallen world.
The Lord instructs the faithful to share the truth of his love, sacrifice, and forgiveness. We are to live by what we learn from the word of God. Our task is to encourage repentance from sin and obedience to the word and will of God. As Christ says to his followers in Mark 16:15, “Go into all the world, and preach the Good News to the whole creation. WEB”
While sharing the truth of Jesus, it is our responsibility to demonstrate the love and goodness of God in our own lives. A city on a hill is seen even in the darkness of night. The light believers shine onto creation attracts the lost and broken to the salvation and safety of reconciliation to our forgiving Father in heaven.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the clarity of the lessons in your holy word. Thank you for the light of Christ. Help me to be like a city on a hill. Guide me to effectively share the truth of your love for mankind. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Pure and Faultless
