The Beatitudes: Light

Jesus said,

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16

The Jews were very familiar with this phrase. The prophet Isaiah had quoted God as saying:

“I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles.” (Isaiah 42:6)

They called their famous rabbis “lamps of Israel." But they knew that it was God Who lit the lamp. They understood that Jesus was saying they must shine with God’s light to all the world.

The same is even more true for you and me today who believe in and follow the Lord Jesus Christ. You and I have the presence of Christ within us. Wherever we go, there will be the presence of Christ. Think about how profound that is. You may be the only person in your family, or in your workplace, or on your block who has the Holy Spirit.

--> Who else will go to those people with the gospel, if not you?

Think about darkness and light. Which is more powerful? To find out, bring a match with you, and go into a closet in your house. Shut the door, so that it is completely dark in there. Then light the match. Light always dispels darkness.

When you have the presence of Christ in your life, you are called to bring Him to others

Outer righteousness without inner righteousness is like salt without saltiness; it's like a light that doesn't actually shine...

...It’s like a refrigerator that has bad food in it.

* What inner heart issue might be keeping you from being salty in a particular situation?

Being a lamp is not enough, your light must be lit by God.
* Who do you see in your life who lives in darkness?

* What can you illuminate for them?

* What excuses have you been using to give yourself permission to put the light God has given you under a bushel?

You are to go where the light is needed

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