Light of the World

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14 NIV

One day, on a hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee, Jesus began teaching his disciples what kind of people would be in the kingdom of heaven. It was a different kind of kingdom from what they had experienced so far; of value were the humble, the marginalized, and the oppressed.

Jesus continues to explain that the kingdom of heaven was a time in the future, but it's present now. In accepting Christ's message, they would be exalted now. While their earthly lot would not change–Rome still ruled, they were still taxed heavily, oppressed, and persecuted–spiritually, they would be transformed. Those considered the least of these would be the light to the world.

Where Christ resides, darkness flees. In accepting Christ, we walk into the light and become the light. Each believer is a light standing on the same hill–Jesus Christ. 

As Christians, we too frequently let our lights shine from different hills. We allow doctrine to separate our lights. It doesn't matter if you're Catholic, Protestant, or any of the many churches within Protestantism; there is only one Jesus, the source of the one true light. Imagine the brilliance of the light in the world when we come together, standing on the same hill.

I'm not saying we need to become one global church, but we need to be one Church. By that, I mean we should function as one body made up of different members to bring Christ's light into the world. We can be unified in promoting justice, mercy, compassion, and love to a hurting world filled with darkness.

Heavenly Father, As we gather in your presence, we recognize that you are the God of light, life, and peace. We come before You with hearts burdened by a world ravaged by war, suffering, disaster, and distress. Selfishness and darkness seem to prevail, but we cling to the hope that Your light can pierce even the deepest shadows.

Lord Jesus, we long for that light to shine brightly through us. Use our lives, actions, and words as beacons of hope and truth. Illuminate this dark world that has turned its back on you—the One who is the true light. May our choices, our kindness, and our love reflect Your glory. Empower us to bring comfort to the hurting, guidance to the lost, and wisdom to those in need. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

The beautiful secular song "Love is the Answer" by England Dan and John Ford Coley from the 70s goes along with today's verse. (Lyrics here)