Let Your Light Shine Series

Text: Matthew 5:14-16

Theme: Let your Light Shine

Introduction: I was amused to see the reflectors on the highways in the early days of night travel. The reflector was first invented in 1917 by Henry Chrétien to provide the army with a communication system the enemy could not intercept. in 1960, it was used for city roads. Nowadays one can find reflectors of all possible shapes and colors, as design and fashion industries have turned their faces towards this diminutive gadget. I saw a rider with a reflective jacket and a helmet. It is very safe to drive for night travel.

In the gospel of Mathew, Jesus spoke three things: 1. Character of the disciples (Matthew 5:3-9), 2. The conflict in Christian life (Matthew 5:10-13), 3. He spoke the characters of a disciple through the metaphors of Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16). C. H. Spurgeon: The title ‘You are the Light of the World’ had been given by the Jews to their eminent Rabbis. They spoke of Rabbi Judah, and Rabbi Jochanan, as lamps of the universe, and the lights of the world. But Jesus called his disciples the Light of the World. It must have sounded strangely in the ears of the Scribes and Pharisees to hear that same title, in all soberness, applied to a few peasants and fishermen. Jesus said, it’s no more the Rabbis, not the Scribes, not the Sanhedrim but you are the light of the world. (Precept Austin).

I want to make it very clear to all of us that not only the Bishops, District Superintendents, Pastors, and missionaries but all the humble and simple believers are the lights of the world, the limelight of the Kingdom of God. So, this Sunday morning, I would like to touch the light which is part of our annual theme “Let there be light.” Today’s theme from this passage is ‘Let your light shine.’

Be a reflective Light, reachable light, and reliable light.

1. Be a reflective Light

Jesus taught the beatitudes as the hallmark of the followers of Christ. But how they can relate to the world? Jesus never intended for an isolated and exclusive community but he rather wanted to reach the whole world with his message of love. So, he taught them how to build a relationship with all.

The world loves darkness. The world loved deeds of darkness. The world loves and practices darkness. The deeds of the darkness are self and flesh. But you are having a new identity through Christ. You are placed with a purpose to bring new insights, grace, and leadership to one and all. There is a new meaning to life through you because you have transformed and renewed your mind. You are a reflector.

‘The moon provides light for the earth just as the sun does. Yet, the actual source of light for both the sun and the moon is the sun. The moon only reflects the light of the sun. By the same token, Jesus, the God-man, is the source of all light. His disciples become reflectors in a darkened world, transmitting through their lives the true light of the eternal Son of God.’(W S Criswell in Precept Austin)

You are a Moon to receive light from the Lord. we are on the world to reflect God-colors to the people (The Message - Matthew 5:14). Mathew 5:16, ‘You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it.’ (The Voice).

John MacArthur says that Jesus told his disciples that they were salt and light. He narrates, ‘Whereas salt is hidden, light is obvious. Salt works secretly, while light works openly. Salt works from within, and light from without. Salt is more the indirect influence of the gospel, while the light is more its direct communication. The figurative use of light has two aspects, the intellectual and the moral. Intellectually it represents truth, whereas morally it represents holiness.’ I would like to add that salt is within but the light is for all. Light refers to the teachings, preaching, and practices of the followers of Christ.

A phosphor is a substance that radiates visible light after being energized. All glow-in-the-dark products contain phosphors. Phosphors have three characteristics: The type of energy to be energized, the color of the visible light that they produce, and the length of time that they glow after being energized. Earlier radium watches are expensive because they reflect in the night. We are phosphors of Christ. Christ is the Light and we are reflectors. We glow according to the level of energy we received through prayers and meditations.