Like a bright light

You are like light for the whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead it is put on the lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.’ (verses 14-16)

Read Matthew 5:11-16

We were among the first to make our way into the aquarium that morning on the Gold Coast. As we entered, everything was dull and uninteresting. Then the lights were switched on. Suddenly it was all there. Before us were the brightly coloured coral and the fish with colours spanning the entire spectrum of the rainbow. It was nothing less than magnificent, a masterpiece of God’s creative hand. Light made all the difference.

Everything you see is dull and clouded until you see it with the light that comes from Jesus. His light enables you to see things as they really are. Without him you have no clear picture of yourself as a fallen person in need of help, and you can’t recognise him as the only one who can save your life.

And this is where he brings you into the picture. He says, ‘You are the light for the whole world. I have made you to be like a light. Let your light shine brightly so that others can see too and can praise my Father in heaven.’ Isn’t it amazing what he has empowered you to be?

Lord Jesus, give me courage to let your bright light shine through me so that others can see your power and goodness. Amen.

By Len Tscharke, in “Refreshment for each day” (LCA, Openbook Publishers (2003)

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