Posted by Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
The Kingdom of Light
The primary characteristic of God’s Kingdom is light. We learn from the inspired writers that God Himself is light; “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). And again; “who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen” (1 Timothy 6:16).
Timothy says that God “lives in unapproachable light.” This means that no one can come into His presence, or get close enough to see Him! The supernatural light of God perfectly purifies His Dwelling place, making it impossible for people to survive in this atmosphere of Divine perfection.
The Only Way into the Light
Enter Jesus who said of himself “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Again, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness” (John 12:46).
It is the grace found in Christ alone which makes it possible for us to approach God, without being destroyed by the perfect supernatural light of His presence. By grace the shed blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin, making God’s unapproachable presence safe for us to dwell in.
As a believer you have been born again into the Kingdom of light to walk with God who lives in unapproachable light, and Jesus made this possible. “The Son is the image of the invisible God…” (Colossians 1:15). “And we all, who with unveiled faces reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
This makes us children of light. John writes “…if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
Believers are “the light of the world.” Light stands for the salvation Christ brings and the life we were designed to live. Believers as children of light are the only ones who can point the world to the way of salvation. We do this by modeling Christ’s character, for the world to see what a transformed life looks like.
Just as the light from a match changes the focal point in a dark room, so does your genuine biblical Christian lifestyle become the focal point of those around you. Light always dispels the darkness around it. Do not underestimate the power of your influence on those who know you, as you continue to walk with God in the light of His Word. You; by the nature of your new birth, cannot be hidden from those around you any more than the city that stands on the hill at night can be hidden from those in the darkness below.
Let Your Light Shine
In Matthew 5:16 we read; “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Proper Christian conduct always draws attention, and solid Christian character always carries influence. Think of the influence you will have on all who know you, if you intentionally lived in the light of Christ in your daily affairs. I promise you, your influence with others will grow rapidly.
Walk with Jesus who is the light of life. Live intentionally as the light of the world that you are. You are a reflection of the light of God’s Glory. Let others be drawn to the image of Christ in you, and Be Encouraged! -JSP