MARCH 15, 2024
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:16
Before diving into today’s devotional, we consider the creation of the solar system and how it relates to this reading. The sun as we know emits light which is being reflected by the other planets. What this means is that the sun is a source of light and everything in its path responds to the intensity of the light it carries. In our scripture for today, the Bible tells us that we are the light of this world and we have been instructed to let that light shine before men.
John 8:12 says “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.” Here we see Jesus referring to Himself as the light of the world and telling us in Matthew 5:14 that “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden”. Putting both scriptures together with 1 John 4:17, “Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world” implies that once we receive Jesus, His nature as the light of the world is inputted in us so we can have the same expression of light in this world.
Understanding the nature of Christ, we need to let that light shine and show Jesus before men. In a world where everyone is trying to be someone else, we need to let the whole world know we stand for Jesus. Even responses to simple questions like how we spend our Sundays reveal who we really are. Are we confident enough to say to our co-workers, family, or friends we were in church serving the Lord or do we try to conceal Jesus in our conversations? It is time to reveal Christ, to let our light shine that Jesus may be known.
...once we receive Jesus, His nature as the light of the world is inputted in us so we can have the same expression of light in this world.
The second portion of our main scripture speaks of ‘doing good works that they – the world – may see and glorify our Father in heaven’. We are by no means saved by our works (Titus 3:4-5; Ephesians 2:8-9), but the evidence of our faith in Jesus Christ is illuminated in our works of love towards all men (Ephesian 2:10). You cannot be the light and not shine. You cannot say you are the light and withhold your talents from God, not forgive, hold bitterness in your heart. These works are contradictory with the nature and character of light - Jesus.
Ultimately, the essence of emitting light in all that we do is so that all glory can be given to God. We must grow to that point where before we speak, or act, we evaluate if the outcome would give glory to God. In Genesis 39:9b, “How then could I do this sinful thing, and sin against God?”. Joseph was an example of a man that understood the nature of the light in him and the implications of dimming your light in the face of adversity. He was sold as a slave by his brothers, even then he found favor in the eyes of his master, he continued to emit light, and God was glorified.
Life’s challenges should not determine whether we do good, we must remember that in all things, the name of the Lord must be glorified through us. In like manner, never forget God when your soul has many goods laid up and you eat, drink, and make merry.
Let your conduct and the works of your hands be such that men would give glory to God through you.
Song of Worship
Bless the Lord, o my soul, o my soul Worship His holy name Sing like never before, o my soul I'll worship Your holy name.
Song by Matt Redman and Steve Angrisano
Prayer – Father, let Your light shine brightly within me, fill my heart with Your love, wisdom, and grace. I ask this day that all my actions and words would reflect the character of God, leading others to recognize His goodness and glory. I ask for humility, so that my focus remains on God and not on self.
Bible in 1 year: Deuteronomy 28-29