Who Turned on the Lights?

After we are compared to salt, Jesus compares us to light. Remember, salt is in reference to physical and light is in reference to the spiritual.

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but in a lamp stand, and it gives light to the whole house. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16, NKJV

We are the light of the world. First I want to talk about two characteristics of light:

• Light causes one to see
• Light travels in a straight line.

Are these characteristics that I have in my own life? Do I cause people to see? Do I travel in a straight line? To have the ability to cause sight. What an amazing responsibility that the Lord has bestowed upon us, that we should be His ambassadors to the world.

Jesus also describes to relevant things that the Jew would understand at that time. Even now the imagery is applicable. He stated that a city on a hill cannot be hidden. Why would He go into imagery of a city after calling us light? "God intends His grace to be as conspicuous as a city built on the mountain's brow." (Spurgeon) Jerusalem is a city built on a hill. That is why everyone goes "up" to Jerusalem. Even today it is still a subject of contention for the world. A city is also a place of refuge. With light comes warmth and shelter. When we are the light of the world we are to that conspicuous for all to see and come running for that comfort and shelter.

Again He states that no one lights a lamp just to put it under a basket. Too many Christians get "fire insurance" today. They become born again believers and that is all that consists of their walk. The fire is light deep inside of them, then they cover themselves up never to share their faith. The purpose of lighting a lamp is to provide light for all that are in the room.

What imagery the Lord uses when talking about His children. We are the light of the world. This word light is used somewhere else in the Bible. In Matthew 17:1-2 Jesus takes Peter, James and John up onto the Mount of Transfiguration where "His face shone like the sun, and HIs clothes became white as light." That word light is the same word used here in the text we are reading today. So let your light shine, so let your Christ-likeness shine.