SHINE YOUR LIGHT

FRIDAY 1 OCTOBER 2021

Jesus said that we are the light of the world. And then He added, "A town built on a hill cannot be hidden" (Matthew 5:14 ESV). Why did Jesus use "hill" as a metaphoric instance? "Hill" denotes a high, rising ground or raised surface and it always has an atmospheric and environmental influence wherever its situated. For instance, the weather patterns and air movement in such areas are very different than what you find in mostly flatland areas. Similarly, every born again Christian is called to have a notable influence as the light of the world. You are worthy of attention or emulation because you carry the atmosphere of divine light which denotes divine "dominance and effect."

Reference: Matthew 5:16 New King James Version (NKJV) "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

For every Christian, this is a special invitation to make a lasting and significant impression before all men with our new life in Christ. This time, the impression is not about our hidden virtues or inward values but that which is perceived by the human or physical eye (...that they may see your good works). And it must be intentional, considering the rendering, "Let your light so shine..." In addition, we are not called to convey a sensory impression, but a life-transforming impression. The divine light in us is a spiritual force and we are the physical medium through which it is transmitted to transform men's lives.

Just like the main source of light on earth is the Sun, the original source of divine light is Christ in you. The Bible says in John 8:12 (NIV): Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." At the time Jesus made this utterance, men could only follow Him. That's the reason for the expression, "Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness." Now the new creation has even a greater advantage of emitting the "light of life" because Christ has been revealed in us.

Beloved, as a child of God, wherever you arrive, the wave of the divine atmosphere you carry transmits transforming light that can be absorbed by unbelievers or those around you. The energy of the wave you discharge can draw them to Christ in you. In 2 Corinthians 2:15 (NLT), apostle Paul used a different metaphorical expression to communicate this light. He said, "Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing." In light of this Scripture, we can indeed affirm that we radiate light, in form of Christ-like fragrance perceived by those we encounter in our world.

No born again Christian is ordinary. In fact, you are divine light medium and a living epistle! In 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 (NKJV) Paul addressed the Corinthian Christians saying, "You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart." As a child of God, you have become living, breathing letters to many in your world, especially to those who are not yet saved. The lost souls who don't have time to read the Bible "read you as their Bible" because you are the divine light they experience.

No one ever needed to teach the lost how to sin because they are sons of disobedience "by nature." But now, they are beginning to get influenced differently under your light until their blinded eyes open. As your light shines before them, their whole viewpoint is altered, such that things don't look the same any more. But today I want to ask these questions: How many born again Christians have hidden their light and are failing to realize that they must let it shine to depict the reign of Christ in their lives? Do you know how many lives left to themselves to keep feeling guilty and condemned by their sinful ways and nature, because you have not determined to shine the transforming light of Christ in you? Beloved, refuse to remain unmoved after reading this article.

According to Acts 13:47, God has made us a light for the Gentiles, that we may bring salvation to the ends of the earth (NIV). Therefore, shine your light brightly in this world of darkness and show forth your heartstrings towards the lost, so they may see your good works, glorify God and most importantly, accept Christ into their hearts as Lord. As from today, through your light, God's rule will become a reality in men's lives. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Luke 8:16; John 1:9; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Ephesians 5:8-9; Colossians 1:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:5.

Guided Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, I thank you for commanding your light to shine in my heart in order to grant me the light of the knowledge of your glory in the face of Jesus Christ, my Lord. That same light that shone brightly over two thousand years ago, is the same light at work in me, and thereby illuminates my world for Christ. By shining the ultimate light of salvation, many will continually come to the true knowledge of Christ and also become the children of the light, in Jesus' Name, Amen!