From Dream to Deliverance
Friday, October 1, 2004
My Prayer Today
Dear Jesus, Thank You for giving light to my life. You are indeed the light of the world! I ask that You would shine upon me today, and may I in turn, be able to let Your light shine through me to reach others. I want my life to be a proper reflection of You so that others may see You. I want my life to count for eternity. Don't let me waste my life, but let me live it entirely for You! I ask this in Your name. . . Amen.
God's Word For Me Today
Matthew 5:13-16
13 "You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make salt useful again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14 You are the light of the world -- like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. 15 Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. 16 In the same way, let you good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."
Reflecting on God’s Word
According to verse 14, what is the image that Jesus uses to describe a Christian's witness?
According to verse 15, what warning does Jesus give us?
Where does Jesus say a light should be?
A Deeper Exploration of God’s Word
If a light is meant to be on its "stand," what does this mean for us in our witness?
What is the "stand" in your life, (what is your daily context)?
How can we let our light shine in our various daily contexts? (home, work, extra activities???)
Understanding God’s Word
What is the point of putting a basket over a light? What are the implications?
Does darkness ever triumph over light? Why or why not?
Will the light of Jesus in us be seen by others? Why?
Applying God’s Word to Our Lives
Do the people in your life know that you are a Christian? How so?
Do your actions support your testimony? Give examples.
What is something you can do today to place your light "on its stand so that all can see"?
Thoughts...
Light is meant to be seen! There is never a time when we turn on the lights in a room (assuming the bulbs are working), and the darkness does leave. The light will always triumph over darkness because the light is meant to be seen. Because this is true, light allows us to be able to see things that we would not ordinarily see without the light. The light helps to give guidance to our lives so that we will not stumble. If an incoming pilot did not have lights that illuminate the runway, they would not know where to direct the airplane. Without any runway lights, the pilot would not be able to land the plane. When Jesus says "I AM the light of the world" He was saying that He alone is the true light that gives guidance to life. Jesus, however, says that we as Christians also give light to others. Because He lives within us, we give light to others so that they will find direction and guidance.
In Matthew 5:15 Jesus says, "Don't hid your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all." In a typical modest house in Jesus' day, there was usually one room in which the people would live. If a person put a light on a stand, that is all the light that a family would need because it would in essence be lighting the entire house. Everyone in the family would be able to see because of the light. In the same way, our lives should be able to be able to shine for others to see. If we are following the commandments of Jesus Christ, then our light cannot help but shine. Light is meant to be seen -- now let your light shine today!