The Power of GOD: Illuminating the World
Notes
Transcript
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Every disciple of Christ is luminary
No disciple of Christ should be concealed
So let our light shine
Every disciple of Christ is luminary
Jesus wants each of his disciples to understand their function in the world, “light”. Not the source of light, but the bearers and reflectors of light. Light is the most vital source of all energy in the world. Human, plant, animal, technology, weather, etc. Specifically, this sets disciples apart from the world, and implies that the world is in darkness. This means that disciples do not function or operate as the world, although in the world. The concept here is points to righteous and just activity, or reflecting it.
Application: If we are sincerely following Christ, if we are fully tapped into the source of divine power, we do not choose our function, GOD does. And that function is to be a distinct bearer of light in the midst of a crooked and crazy generation of people. Obviously we all need direction, but the world are in greatest need of it because they live in darkness.
No disciple of Christ should be concealed
Since that is the case for the world, it is vital to understand the nature and usage of light. So Jesus provides two parallel illustrations to teach the same point. If a city has been built on top of a mountain, it signals prominence and attention.
Illustration: Consider St. Louis Arch, Buildings in New York and Toronto. They arrest people’s attention, and because of that, they are flooded with people.
Application: It is ridiculous for anyone to think or attempt to create any object that could obscure the presence of New York’s skycrapers.
Likewise, Jesus speaks specifically of a lamp, which resembled a genie bowl and contained oil and wick to ignite. Those were never lit and immediately placed under an object that could cover or hide the fire. The fact that Jesus emphasizes this twice shows the importance he’s giving it. Rather, it is to be elevated high on a lampstand to give wider range for light. Not hidden, but seen. What’s the point?
Application: If every disciple’s status is a luminary or light bearer for the world, it is ridiculous to think we should be concealed or hidden. Our presence is not made for seclusion, hiding, or stay away attitude. We should be visible and accessible. Be around people. Mingle with. Get to know. Befriend.
So let our light shine
Jesus says, in the same manner as lamp on the lampstand does, every disciple should always have their light shining bright. First he told disciples they are light, the nature of light, and now to let your light shine.
Illustration: Notice, there are a number of objects that shine or reflect light. Lightning “shines” across the sky, and everyone can “see it”. Sun “shines” bright. Fire “shines”. What dims a light bulb Bro Evans. The power is decreased.
Interestingly, when light is emitted, it is either reflected or absorbed. Meaning it has influence on objects it hits. The objects of our shining are humanity. For what purpose Jesus?
See good energy. This explains what Jesus means. We are not physical lights, clearly there are no visible rays. However, our energy, works, activity, behavior, are the rays which shoot forth from the light inside of us!!!
But it’s not us that we want people to see, it’s the work that GOD is working through us. Thus works that reflect him. Why, so we don’t receive the praise, but GOD does. Every good that I do, I’ll accept thanks, but give GOD the glory. It won’t be dim, because I don’t want anyone giving GOD dim glorification. For nothing about GOD is dim. Moses and the fire. Moses and his face shining. Pillar of fire by night to guide Israel. Paul was blinded by glory of Christ. Glory of Christ will be seen across the entire earth when he returns.