Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
Matthew 5: 14-16 The Message
A couple of nights ago, the night sky lit up with brightly-colored fireworks, as our valley celebrated the Fourth of July with fireworks at Walla Walla Point park in Wenatchee. All around town, many others shot off their own fountains, as they celebrated with their own private fireworks.
Jesus compared those of us who follow him to light, stating that we are to be “light-bearers” to the world, a city on a hill.
The light that we bear is love, generosity, and opening up our lives to others.
In a world where many people are spreading violence, suspicion, and even hatred, we need to remember that we are called to share the light of God’s love.
The light of the Gospel, the good news of Jesus, is needed now more than ever. Even though many are still sheltering at home, this doesn’t mean we don’t have opportunities to share and shine God’s great news to others. Give someone a call, send a note, or even visit in person, socially distant on a front porch, of course. There are always creative ways to share the gospel within the bounds of what is being asked of us now. Let us all try and do our part to shine the light of God’s incredible grace, love, and forgiveness into our dark world. May we “light up the night” with God’s love, just like those fireworks lit up the night sky! May it be so!
Prayer
God of light and love,
Sometimes the darkness around us seems thick, and impenetrable. Yet You call us to shine Your light, so that others may see You, and give glory to You. Help us to find our way and do our part, to light up our world. Thank you for giving us platforms and opportunities where we can shine out Your light, for the whole world to see! May Your light drive out the darkness! We pray this prayer in the name of the one who called Himself the Light of the World, our Savior Jesus Christ.
Amen.
