Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 (NRSVUE)
When my devotion was assigned, I read it and smiled. Throughout the summer, I have spent a lot of time with my grandchildren. They are 17 months old and their favorite book is our “Jesus Loves Me” book. “This Little Light of Mine” is one of the songs in that book. When we turn to the page, they both get their fingers in the air and look at me to start singing. To say that I have sung “This Little Light of Mine” over 100 times this summer, may not be an exaggeration!
Have you ever stopped to think that when you hold your finger up when singing this song, you are pointing up to heaven? These verses tell us that we are the “light of the world” and we cannot be hidden. God made each one of us with different lights. My light may not be the same as your light, but we each need to shine.
The best part, is if we live out these verses and God is glorified by our actions, we let other people’s light shine brighter. How do we let our light shine? Sometimes it can seem like a daunting task to let your light shine or to figure out how to shine your light. Being a “light on a lampstand” and “giving light to the whole house” may be a very intimidating place to start. Discipleship is the theme for this week and being a disciple has always been very intimidating for me. So, here is how I have started: when someone asks me “what did you do this weekend”, I always include that I went to church. This can sometimes lead to further discussions and has occasionally led to me inviting the conversation partner to Southwood. This may be a flicker of a candle moment, but it can lead to a light up the room moment when God is at work!
Questions for Reflection:
- What does it mean to you to be the “light”?
- Has someone you know been a light in your life? Was it a candle moment or a light on a lapstand moment?
- How can you start a journey of discipleship? What could be your flicker of a candle moment?
Prayer:
Lord of Light, let my light burn bright for you. Give me the courage to let my light shine, even when it may not feel comfortable to do so. Show me the way to be Your light, so that others may see Your good works and give You glory in heaven. Amen
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