Matthew 5: 14-16 “Ye are the light of the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and they glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Prior to starting, a side note. I am aware that some of the Vida’s come out a little awkward with respect to punctuation, spelling etc. I trust that you are able to read past the awkwardness and still receive a blessing from them. Many weeks, work is a handful and a half. Now for our devotion.
As with the example of salt, Jesus continues to describe the “effect” of the Holy Spirit in the “surrendering” life (a work in progress) of a believer. The analogies he uses are examples we can all relate to. The work of the Spirit starts in us and as we continue to abide and grow in faith, He then moves through us. Light is probably an easier analogy for us to grasp than salt which seldom leaves the table in use. However with light, as soon as it gets dark, the lights come on. In our the homes, or the night lights in the yard, or the flashlight as we walk to the restroom from our tent or trailer. Though we understand the effect and use of light, we would benefit by having a definition. “Light is a form of radiant energy that travels in waves made up of vibrating electric and magnetic fields. These waves have both a frequency and a length, the values of which distinguish light from other forms of energy…” The light we see “represents a narrow band between ultraviolet light (UV) and infrared energy (heat).” These light waves therefore are the ones we see, “capable of exciting the eye’s retina, resulting in a visual sensation called sight.” So when Jesus says we are “the light of the world,” we’re to be seen, but what are our characteristics? In other words, what causes us to shine?
Before we answer that let’s better understand the use of the word light in the scriptures by introducing a super neat expression in Spanish to describe birth. “Va a dar luz,” (going to bring forth light) is one of the expressions used for childbirth (which my youngest daughter 29 yrs. old, just did. So this study is quite timely). In a literal sense there is no light at the time of birth, but there is “life,” and that is what the expression “light” is trying to capture. There are other conversations were light is often a reference to understanding. As in the expression, “the lights just came on,” meaning, I finally got it. And light, especially natural light, is critical. In nature without sunlight there can be no life. Plants would cease to photosynthesize, algae and plankton which are the basis of the food chain, would cease in our oceans and lakes. All of life would come to a stand still. In extreme northern or southern lands, such as Alaska which is dark for 2 months or the Antartica where the night period is for six months, the only light are the stars, and the magnetic sensation aurora borealis or aurora australis in the South Pole. And in states where prolonged rain is the norm, depression as well as more serious emotions can result. The term “Cabin Fever, describes a state of restlessness, depression, and irritability caused by an extended period indoors,” often due to inclement weather. For all of life to exist and do well, light is necessary and sunlight with its infusion of vitamin D is by far the better choice.
In John 1: 4&5 the words “life and light ” are used to describe Jesus. The apostle John guided by the Holy Spirit describes Christ ” in him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness (referring to man’s soul) and the darkness comprehended it not.” And verse 11-13 “He came into the world (his own), and the world (his own) received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he the power to become sons (and daughters) of God…” So clearly light is a metaphor for life, but not just life on the physical plain, but the life of the Spirit which is able to pierce the darkness of our souls and bring us into fellowship with the source of all light and life, God himself. The heart of God, vast and beyond knowing, has one overriding, ardent, driving desire – that He yearns for His creation to come into relationship with Him. As a parent yearns to be reunited to a child that has gone missing, so He yearns. And we can relate to that emotion and understand how He is feeling when “we go missing, at times for the whole of our life.”
The light of Christ is the life of Christ given to us by the Holy Spirit. If you have been “born again” you understand the unexplainable sense of God dwelling within your being. A God conscientiousness that starts out as a small voice, but grows into a recognizable direction as God’s Word takes root within our being. Therefore you can also tell when you lose it because you have turned from following him. Several years ago I spoke to a friend of mine, he was in his late twenties. I was sharing about the love of Christ, not being sure where he stood. His reply surprised me and touched me causing me to really pray for him. He said, “I miss His hugs. You mean you miss your girlfriend’s hugs?” Was my reply. No, he said “His hugs, I miss feeling close to God. Ever since I chose to live with my girlfriend I’ve missed Him and my girlfriend wonders why I don’t make love to her, but I just can’t. Initially I was ok, I could rationalize it, but as time goes on my spirit is dying within me and I can’t continue; but I am not able to break up with her either.” I so felt for him as I could see the sincerity and the pain in his eyes. The “light” had left him, and having known the light (life) the darkness was suffocating him.
How I wish that more of us could say “I miss His hugs.” Up to that point, I only knew that I spoke in those terms, and he being a younger man it was that much more moving. I prayed for him that he would have the strenght and courage to tell his girlfriend that because he loved her and wanted God’s blessing on their relationship that he had to do the right thing. Shortly after that conversation he was transferred and I lost touch with him.
We will need to continue next week in our application of being “God’s Light” to a darken world. A partial word of advice. Be mindful of what you call entertainment. There are many non edifying, and at times very violent shows and movies that promote actions contrary to the life of the Spirit.
Father God,
We all carry a Cross, that if we are serious about walking and knowing You, really amounts to the “dying” of the carnal nature. In that respect I can be violent, for to entertain that is to entrap my soul. If not dealt with then sooner or later I will wake up and realize that You have left me, I don’t want that. Cause me to have regard for Your Holiness, and honor Your temple within me. Thank you and Amen
Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur