God in us – Day 9
A light when he reigns in me
Bible text(s)
Matthew 5
John 8
Jesus the Light of the World
Matthew 5
Philippians 2
In the first few devotions, we studied what God is doing in our lives. For the next few days, we will focus on how his “kingdom within us” influences the world and us.
His kingdom within us has an implication: we have a responsibility to seek how “to make it visible” to the world, by the way we live our lives. Luckily, we do not have to do this on our own, because we have the guidance and help of the Holy Spirit in us. He teaches us how to be light, salt and an aroma to the world.
These three metaphors refer to the positive and preservative influence you and I, as believers, have on people. What does it mean to be the light of the world?
Jesus is the true Light of the world (John 8:12), but he connects himself to us when he uses this metaphor to refer to us as the light of the world on a hill or stand that gives light to everyone (Matthew 5:14-16). However, you and I have to understand that it is his presence in us that radiates light; we are merely reflecting his light in us; we are not light itself. Maybe, an example from nature would make it clearer: the moon is not a light in itself, but merely reflects the light from the sun that shines on it – the closer the moon moves to the sun in its orbit, the brighter the moon shines. Do you live close enough to the Light that people can see the light in you?
Leaves absorb (sun) light, which then causes photosynthesis in plants. It involves the conversion of light energy into “fuel”, thus enabling the plant to keep its systems running. In the same way, you and I need the Light to have life, and have it to the full. Equally important, we have to stand in his light to do what Philippians 2:15-16 teaches us: … shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life. It is your calling to live so close to the Light that your life explodes into life-giving light for those who live in darkness.
Do you hide your light under a bushel by an uninvolved and fading relationship with the Lord? If your answer is yes, then you knowingly deny the Light in your life. Sadly, you also do an injustice to the people whom you work and interact with daily – they stumble along in pitch-black darkness while a hidden light stands beside them.
