Thursday February 7, 2013

Read Matthew 5:14-15. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7.

 

Having talked about salt, Jesus changes metaphor and talks about being the light. But it’s not like a light that can be turned off and on at will. Jesus is talking about the light shining from a light source that simply cannot be turned off and on. While the light is on, the light will be shining.

 

Notice Jesus doesn’t say that you could be or that one day you might be the light of the world. He says, ‘You are the light of the world.’ It’s a part of your inherent being since you came to Christ by repentance and faith. At that point, God made the light of the knowledge of Christ shine in your heart and it’s that light that God wants to shine outwards. It’s that light of Jesus that God wants to radiate outwards.

 

You are a vessel of clay and have a powerful light within that nothing can extinguish. That light shines outwards through the toughest of situations and causes all in your world to see the light. As Jesus said, ‘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.’ When Christ came into your life, the light was lit. God wants you to shine brightly for Him. He wants you to radiate Christ so that all see Jesus in you.

 

And here’s the wonderful thing. God wants YOU to shine as YOU. He doesn’t want you to imitate another Christian and he doesn’t want you to model your life on someone else. God created you uniquely as you and wants you to shine for Jesus. You alone are the only one who can shine as you. People in your world (your work, your school, your family and friends) need to see you shining for Jesus. There is no better advertisement for Christ than you shining for Jesus.

 

Prayer:

Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.

 

Adoration:

 

 

Confession:

 

 

Thanks:

 

 

Supplication:

¥ Pray that the Lord would bring/provide all the needs of the Reformed Bible College in Myanmar. Pray that God would be the God of their provision whether through supporters in Australia or through other means.

¥ Pray for the pastors in Myanmar as they serve and minister in adverse conditions. Many have to work as well as pastor the church to earn enough income to feed family and to pay bills. Pray that God would provide for them, especially with clement weather for crops etc as many are farmers.

 

 

Discussion Questions For Families and Groups

1. How would it have been different if Jesus said, ‘You are to be the light’ instead of ‘You are the light’?

2. What does it mean to be the light of the world?

3. What things stop you from shining the light of Jesus?