Day Twelve
Matthew 5:14- 16 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Jesus then changes his address. He begins speaking of light and dark. In these times before electricity, these people knew how dark…the darkness is. I live in a forest and I know that also, but I usually keep a light on outside. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, I remembered how dark is. No electric lights, no lights on microwaves, stoves, television or computers. It was all dark.
As a child I love the darkness and still do. I love it for the lights of the heavens…the stars and the moon. One night I stepped out into the darkness to find peace and there was in the glorious stars. The stars that guided ships. There was one star that guided the Magi to visit the newborn king. What a glorious sight that must have been.
Jesus began by saying. “You are the light of the world.” He got their attention. They may have murmured among themselves. What does he mean.
Jesus then gave explanations to the those listening. He began with, “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” They understood that for many had traveled at night into a town or a city and knew they were close when they could see the lights against the dark sky. They also knew that cities were often put on hills so that they could be protected. Their murmurs became nodding of heads.
Jesus then gives them something they do in their home almost every night to see around in their house. He smiled as He said, “Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house.” Their were vigorous nods to this because putting the light to guide you in the dark under a bushel was what a foolish person would do.
Jesus then goes back to what he said at the first, “You are the light of the world.” He says to those listening to him, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Jesus is explaining to them that they are the light because of their good works, and that light within them is to glorify God. They are the light of the world because of God.
I listened today to a man who was dying, and his greatest joy was not in his success in his work, nor the money he made because of it. His joy came from giving to others. He asked God years ago to send him people who needed his money. He has helped with his money to build orphanages in poor countries. He has helped start schools in those countries. He has done many things for many people who do not know the Lord. He knows he is dying and there is not anything that can be done to change that, but while he can, he will give. He could be well thought of because he had nice houses and cars, but it is what he has done for those who will never know his name simply because he wanted them to know that God loves them. It brought tears to my heart and eyes, and I asked myself, “What can I give?”
I named a couple of things, and one was to help men in prison. Another was to help those foster children as they age out of foster care. We turn them loose often with no family or friends to aid them in navigating the world. But right now, my money is small.
I think of how I don’t let my light shine to give glory to God. I fail often. I am unkind at times. I speak without thinking sometimes. I have hurt people. I am better than I was, but I still have a long way to go so that my light shines always to glorify God. It is my heart’s desire.
Today’s Question:
How would you like to shine your light to glorify God?
Ever in God’s love,
Mary Elizabeth Todd
November 25, 2024
Ruhamah United Methodist Church Bible Verses 