I’ve been enjoying the longer days of sunshine and as someone who loves the early morning, it’s a joy to see the dawn of each new day transforming the darkness of the night. The power of light is amazing, giving sight and bringing joy, dispelling fear and enabling all forms of life to grow and flourish.
I love that Jesus said about himself, ‘I am the light of the world.’ (John 8:12). Not even the sunshine in all its heat and power can surpass the glory of the light that is Jesus.
And that is why, when I read today Jesus’ words to his disciples, I was stopped in my tracks. ‘You are the light of the world,’ said Jesus. ‘A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way,let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.’ Matthew 5:4
How could Jesus be using that very same phrase, Light of the World about me? He is the light of the world, he is God’s Son. He is my Saviour and Lord. So how can he say that about me? Who am I to have such a huge title and calling?
As I continued to reflect, an exciting understanding grew within me. Jesus compares us to a city on a hill. How bright city lights are when you approach at night and see them shining out ahead of you, transforming the darkness of the road. Jesus has made you and me to be like that, a welcome display of light shining in the night and making it beautiful; a lamp sitting firmly on its stand, not hidden away for fear of being seen.
Why does Jesus emphasise about things being hidden? I sensed him saying in my heart, ‘So few of my children understand that I’ve chosen them to be the means through which my light is made known. So many hide themselves and their gifts fearing they might be seen as presumptuous or proud if they let themselves be seen. If only they could understand that as they live their lives to the full and reach out to others without fear, my light and glory are made known. Total strangers will have their hearts opened to my Father’s love when my children stop hiding and start living in the fullness of all I’ve made them to be. So many deceive themselves that it is true humility to hide who they are but in doing that they are putting a cover over my light, my glory which I’ve ordained to shine out into this world and transform it.’
I felt awed as I reflected on this powerful prophetic word. I’m aware that so often I do feel that sense of presumption and want to hide away. I feel others can be seen but not me. But believing that lie is breaking Jesus’heart. He has chosen me and he’s chosen you, to live within us. He has decreed that as people see us, his light will be made known. He trusts us to be his light shiners. He trusts us so much that he says ‘You are the light of the world.’ How can we ever hide ourselves or our gifts in the face of so awesome a calling? He carried all our flaws, regrets and shame to the cross and says there is no condemnation, no darkness, just the beautiful light of his love shining from our lives.
May you know the joy today of living fully as the beautiful light shiner he has made you to be, in all your ways and in all your words, may his light shine through you.
