God meant even ordinary people to shine his light in a dark world
By Dean Collins
Isaiah said it would happen. Matthew said it happened. John in his Gospel quoted John the Baptist and confirmed Isaiah’s word and agreed with his coworker, Matthew. The light was shining in the darkness. According to John 8, Jesus declared it publicly: “I am the light of the world.” And Jesus took it a step further. “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
High value
Just after Jesus described the character and behaviors of those blessed of God and aligned with his mission, he said something that must have been startling to those who were listening. First, he called them the salt of the earth, meaning the ones who preserve and extend life in their community and across the earth. Salt was essential in the ancient world. It was necessary for many purposes, including the preservation of meat and as a healing agent. It was valued so highly it sometimes was a means of compensation.
This sermon was heard by a predominantly Jewish audience who at the time was ruled by Rome. Poor Jewish fishermen, farmers, and tradesmen, along with some religious leaders, listened to these remarkable words. Those with little power or authority would be as essential as salt in the world around them. Really? Those who were frustrated by Roman control would be as valued and needed as salt? But then Jesus added that his followers must be useful, or they will be trampled just as salt that has lost its saltiness becomes gravel to fill holes in the road.
Big change
Jesus continued with the assumption that these listeners would consider the transformation he offered. No longer would they need to walk in darkness. Their value and usefulness to God and to the world around them would be real. And their influence so great that it would shine as a gleaming city on a hill, not for their glory but so their way of living would reveal the glory of God to others.
They may not have memorized all the rules the Pharisees quoted, but their character and influence would be much greater because their righteousness would be genuine and superior compared to the meticulous yet empty righteousness of the Pharisees. Unlike the religious hierarchy, God’s response to them would not make them feel guilty and worthless.
Bright influence
The good news of Jesus is still good. His word is still filled with his breath and brings the same transformation power to those of us willing to follow him. We, too, can be—frankly must be—salt in our communities and shining as lights in a world shadowed by many concerns. Our media reports new darkness every day. Our political leaders are unable to save us. Only Jesus can make the difference, and he will give those of us who follow him the chance to shine his light in the darkness. Jesus, the light of the world, offers hope to everyone.
What might happen if we dared to allow him to use us at dinner tables, in meetings, with neighbors, in government, wherever we go? What if salt and light were a part of every encounter? The possibilities for what Jesus will do are truly hard to imagine. But if we dare follow, our lives will light the path for others to find salvation and purpose. The kingdom of God will expand. Those around us will see the glory of God in action.
Your time with God’s Word
Matthew 4:12-17; 5:13, 15-16, 20; John 8:12 ESV
Photo by Andreas Dress on Unsplash
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