You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. Matthew 5:14 WEB
In the previous verse, Jesus calls his disciples the salt of the earth. Here, Jesus uses another metaphor to describe his followers. Christ calls his faithful the light of the world. As followers of the Son of God, Christians shine the Lord’s light wherever we are and whatever we do.
The source of the light is Christ who lives in each believer. As Jesus says in John 8:12, “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”
Further, Jesus declares that you cannot hide a city located on a hill. This precedes his statement in Matthew 5:15 which says, “Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. WEB”
Revealed by the Light
The light of Christ that shines in each believer is meant to demonstrate the goodness of God. Also, Jesus exposes the wickedness of the world. Paul writes in Ephesians 5:13, “But all things, when they are reproved, are revealed by the light, for everything that reveals is light. WEB”
Our Savior explains this in John 3:19-20 which reads, “This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn’t come to the light, lest his works would be exposed. WEB”
As followers of Christ, we are like a city located on a hill. Jesus commands us to let our light shine as an example to men. A city on a hill is easily located by those who walk in darkness. In the example set by our Lord, we serve the kingdom of God as witnesses to his love and forgiveness. In the light of God’s love, we attract repentant sinners into the kingdom to the glory of our heavenly Father.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the light of Christ in this dark world. Thank you for exposing my sins and forgiving them. Help me to live as an example of your love. Let the light of Christ shine brightly through your faithful servants. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Good Measure
