Written by Pastor Jack Wellman– John Hagee
Light Shinning Before Others
Jesus is talking about being a light that is evangelistic in nature. In other words, our life can draw people to Christ. If they see Christ in us, they might seek Christ themselves. That’s why Jesus said “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt 5:16). Since Christians are called to be light, it should be obvious to the world since “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matt 5:14).
Light Shinning into Darkness
It was written of Christ that “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5) and He is “The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world” (John 1:9). Jesus said of Himself, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). The Light of the World always overcomes the darkness. Darkness can never overcome the Light!
Lighting the Path
The psalmist writes “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105) so taking God’s Word in your heart will help to illuminate our path in life. Even more, the Wisdom of Solomon says “the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life” (Prov 6:23) and to keep us out of sin, as he continues, “to preserve you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress” (Prov 6:24). Staying in the Word keeps you out of sin but sin keeps you out of the Word. With little or no Word, there is little or no light!
Conclusion
If you are trying to be a light for Christ, make sure the switch is on because if you don’t have access to the Spirit of God and to the Word of God, then you might short circuit your light or it might be more like a nightlight. Abide in the Word and your light should easily shine before others, shining into the darkness, and lighting the path for wherever you go in life.
