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Matthew 5:14-16 - Shining for Jesus!Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT) You are the light of the world... let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.WORD STUDY Light has ever been a symbol of the divine presence (see on Gen. 1:3; 3:24). John refers to Jesus as "the light of men" shining forth amid the darkness of this world (ch. 1:4-9). Toward the close of His ministry Jesus referred to Himself as "the light of the world" (see on John 8:12; 9:5). Having accepted Jesus as the light of the world, a Christian, if true to his calling, becomes a reflector of that light. [SDA Bible Commentary] INTRODUCTION Can you hide a city that is sitting on top of a hill? Its light at night can be seen for miles. If we live for Jesus, we will glow like lights, shining brightly with his love. Many who are living in spiritual darkness will be attracted by our light and want to step into it. Jesus' light always reveals truth. We hide our light by (1) being quiet when we should speak, (2) going along with the crowd, (3) denying God's truth, (4) letting sin dim our light, (5) not explaining our light to others, or (6) ignoring the needs of others. Be a beacon of truth - don't shut your light off from the rest of the world. [Life Application SB 2019] COMMENTARY PEARL Living Out Your Worship If you're going to talk the talk of being a Jesus follower, you're going to have to walk the walk. The world is desperate for Jesus followers to live out what they believe. Who else is going to stand up for the marginalized? Who else is going to bring restoration to the broken and dignity to the oppressed? Who else is going to chase back the darkness? If we've been transformed in Jesus' likeness, we must see people like Jesus saw people. We must engage with those who are hurting, lost, or cast out, not out of pity or guilt but out of love and genuine concern. Our worship must spur our actions to align with the light of Christ. As the world sees our good deeds, they will be moved to worship God in heaven. Your worship can't be limited to the songs you sing on a Sabbath. As believers, we need to live out our worship by serving those in our communities and families, our neighborhoods and workplaces. When you walk the walk, your talk begins to have value and significance. Dear Lord, may my actions reflect a heart that has been captured by Your glory and holiness. [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio] COMMENTARY No other light ever has shone or ever will shine upon fallen man save that which emanates from Christ. Jesus, the Saviour, is the only light that can illuminate the darkness of a world lying in sin. Of Christ it is written, "In Him was life; and the life was the light of men." John 1:4. It was by receiving of His life that His disciples could become light bearers. The life of Christ in the soul, His love revealed in the character, would make them the light of the world. Humanity has in itself no light. Apart from Christ we are like an unkindled taper, like the moon when her face is turned away from the sun; we have not a single ray of brightness to shed into the darkness of the world. But when we turn toward the Sun of Righteousness, when we come in touch with Christ, the whole soul is aglow with the brightness of the divine presence. MB 39, 40 Let Christ shine in your life. Develop a relationship with Jesus that will cause Him to be revielded in your life and deeds. Christ does not bid His followers strive to shine. He says, Let your light shine. If you have received the grace of God, the light is in you. Remove the obstructions, and the Lord's glory will be revealed. COL 420 As your relationship with Jesus grows your life will reflect more and more His glory. Wherever there is union with Christ there is love. Whatever other fruits we may bear, if love be missing, they profit nothing. Love to God and our neighbor is the very essence of our religion. No one can love Christ and not love His children. When we are united to Christ, we have the mind of Christ. Purity and love shine forth in the character, meekness and truth control the life. The very expression of the countenance is changed. Christ abiding in the soul exerts a transforming power, and the outward aspect bears witness to the peace and joy that reign within... If we are connected with the Light, we shall be channels of light, and in our words and works we shall reflect light to the world. 1 SM 337 He who draws nigh to Christ need not try to shine. As he beholds the Saviour, he catches the divine rays of light from the Sun of Righteousness, and he cannot help shining. The light that is in him shines forth in clear, bright rays, in words and works of righteousness. Christ's grace dwells in him richly, and heaven's light shines through him. UP 322 CLOSING PEARL True character is not shaped from without, and put on; it radiates from within. If we wish to direct others in the path of righteousness, the principles of righteousness must be enshrined in our own hearts. Our profession of faith may proclaim the theory of religion, but it is our practical piety that holds forth the word of truth. The consistent life, the holy conversation, the unswerving integrity, the active, benevolent spirit, the godly example, - these are the mediums through which light is conveyed to the world. DA 307 LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Matthew 5:14-16 - Shining for Jesus! https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20231101-1048.html https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230825-1103.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220113-0822.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20211105-0833.html John 8:12 - The Second I AM; Jesus the Light of the World! http://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230705-1013.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |