Let’s talk about light.
Matthew has previously sited the prophet Isaiah when he said, “the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light.”
Now we have Jesus addressing folks in the Sermon on the Mount and Jesus says to them, “You are the light of the world!”
And I envision him pointing at people, at the individuals sitting around him on the mountain side.
You are the light of the world. You are the light of the world. You are the light of the world. All of you – gathered here, are the light of the world.
He is starting a movement. This is but a beginning…albeit an important beginning.
Right from the get-go he is making this personal.
They have to feel a part of it. They must be involved.
His mission is going to be their mission. His words and deeds are going to be their words and their deeds. He is making this thing—whatever it is — totally inclusive. He wants them on board with him.
It is going to be a joint and shared ministry. This mission is public—it happens in the open, like a city set on a hill—and its purpose is to benefit everyone. Literally, all people…everywhere.
They – the people…are going to be light for the transformation of the world…to reflect God’s desires for the world.
Jesus is liking this! He is being well received, no doubt! He has their attention. They are listening attentively. They are smiling as well…
Even candlelight “beams brightly” to all in a house. You can see it, can’t you?
The people can immediately see what he is talking about and envision it in their minds eye.
It is a peasant’s one-room house that is being envisioned. That’s how most people lived. In one room. Great-grandparents, grandparent, parents, children, sometimes aunts and uncles and cousins too, animals if they are fortunate enough to own any, all in a one room house. Together. Close Proximity. Tight quarters. Little or no privacy. The door being shut and locked for the night.
All who enter the house can see the light stand. It is right there – center.
Once lit, an oil lamp or a simple candle will fill the one room home with light. Everything and everyone will be seen.
The normal or the usual way to put out an oil lamp was to put it under a bushel basket, so as not to fill the house with smoke and fumes before retiring for the night.
Everybody knew this. Everyone could envision this.
You don’t cover up an oil lamp unless your intention is to put it out!
Jesus was saying set the example, be the example for everyone to see. Not for glory or fame for yourself, but so that others will see – God’s glory.
You show them the way. You can lead them. You can do this!
You show them…and you show them and you show them.
Be a light to the world.
To put it in a different context to put it slightly in a different way: your light can be extinguished only by ignoring the needs of others for “light” – and by insisting on one’s own preference that everyone sits in the dark.
No!
Enlighten them!
Show them the way!
You are the light…and you…and you…and you.
This is not rocket science. It is not too heavy for you to understand. It is not too much of a burden for you…it is simple enough.
Again, I say, “You can do this…”
Light is a symbol of hope and renewable guidance in the world. The light comes to us anew every day…every morning.
Our lives are to be an inspiration – for the lives of others around us. Our lives are to be like a beacon that shows people the way.
Our lives are to be like a lighthouse, guiding other people’s lives through the nasty storms of life.
We are to be there, to help…and not to hinder…ever! We are to be there for each other! A presence.
A constant source of light. We are to be a guide for people’s lives… You can do this…You’ve got this!
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine…