#14 2016 Devotional Mt. 5: 14-15. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.
Matthew 5:14-15
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. “
Matthew 5 is the first chapter of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount Ch. 5-7. This sermon is revolutionary and turned the perception of people in His day upside down. The sermon still does that today. These three chapters tell us what Jesus wants us to do if we follow Him. Further, Jesus tells us what not to do. The introduction to the sermon are the eight beatitudes. They set the stage for Jesus ministry. Jesus is humble, He put others first, He is compassionate, He loves the poor and the disenfranchised, He practices righteousness, He is merciful, His love is from the heart, He is forgiving, Jesus is a peace maker reconciling us to the Father. Jesus ends His sermon with the parable of the wise and foolish builders. It is about listening to the words of Jesus. Those who hear but do not practice what Jesus is telling us is like the foolish builder in the parable, he/she is building on the sand. Those who practice what Jesus tells us build on the rock which is Jesus Christ.
The verse we are looking at is what the sermon is all about. When you do the things Jesus asks us to do you are a light that lights up this dark world. Jesus came to light up all the dark places. Now that Jesus left us to be His body in this world we are to be that light on a hill for everyone to see. Jesus is the light of life and if we follow Jesus then you, and me are the light that guide people on the path of life and the path to life. There is no other way, people try every other thing to find peace and fill that empty place we all have in our hearts. People seek power, money, sex, drink and food but nothings fills our need, only serving Jesus fills that empty place and gives us meaning in this life and the assurance of eternal life. We are concerned about this life, but it is only temporary, short and preparation for our eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven. However, while we are in this life we are to help others find the way back to Jesus. That is why Jesus calls us and equips us and promises to be with us. What we often don’t think about are the blessings that come along with serving Jesus. It is not easily explained but it is easily experienced. Praise Him!
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