It was not just about proclaiming the coming Kingdom. It was about teaching about it as well. What underpinned that rule of God to be experienced by His followers.
Having established Kingdom character in his teaching on the Mount, Jesus uttered something that still has radical consequences today:
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
In the beginning, in the chaos, in the darkness of the deep, God spoke a command that totally transformed the settings. Let there be light. Famous first words spoken in creation. The best way to deal with the darkness is for the heavenly source to turn on the light.
Those who follow Jesus are likewise commanded to shine. As they shine so the good works are highlighted – literally. Folks see and also know the source. The same source that ushered in light in the first place is to be on display through the inhabitants of His rule.
The purpose was never to placed under cover and so providing nothing to no one. The purpose is to be on display.
This is something commanded because there is a tendency to look to go under cover. It’s not always acceptable to shine for Jesus. It’s not always popular to shine for Jesus. It’s not always convenient to shine for Jesus. And in that light, some feel the desire to dim things down a little and not draw attention. It’s the ridiculous notion of being light that doesn’t want to shine.
It’s ridiculous to say it, but sadly it’s the reality for those who are caught between the desire to fit in with the world and the call to follow Jesus. The two are not compatible, but that doesn’t stop people trying. It doesn’t stop compromise being a real threat to the witness of those who make a claim to be ruled by King Jesus.
Reviewing the glory of this great Kingdom in which Jesus rules, should have us ever acknowledging the darkness we’ve been transferred from to enter into this light. It should have us appreciating the better position we’re in by being in the light. And it should activate in us that capacity to shine before others.
Will we, however, be conflicted and torn by other demands? Will we seek to do the ridiculous and place the light under a bushel? Will the pull of the wold and all in it lead to a dim view of the light we’ve been given?
Or will we hear, obey and teach others to observe what King Jesus says?
(Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 