On the Sunday following the International Women’s day, Rebecca takes us deep into the understanding of how to be the Light to the world. Read more below (or hear to the MP3) as she focuses and describes on:

  • God’s light
  • Christians as light

Jesus is the Light of the world.
John 8:12 – When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

We are sons and daughters of light.
1 Thess 5:5 – You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

Jesus dispelled darkness wherever he went by preaching the gospel, casting out demons and healing the sick. He died for our sins, rose again and then ascended to heaven and is now seated at the right hand of our Father in heaven. interceding. He is our only mediator.
And now that He is busy interceding for each one of us, he calls us to be the Light of the world with the help of the Holy Spirit.

 

 *************************You are the light of the world.  *************************

Mat 5:16 – In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

There is one more thing that He passed on to us, just like he had received- “authority”. He has given us the authority to be the Light of this world. So we are to dispel the darkness just as Jesus did by preaching the gospel, casting out demons and healing the sick.

Light dispels darkness. Any darkness around us means we are not shining and that we need to bring light to that place.

 

Let us take a look at the “Descriptives of God’s light” as to where it is manifested:

1) Light is manifested in the very nature of God.
1 John 1:5 – This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

2) Light is manifested in God’s word.
Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path
So if you want to shine, go to God’s word. If you have a problem, go to God’s word.

3) God’s light is manifested in the divine Wisdom and counsel that God gives.
Daniel 2:21-22 – He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.

4) God’s light can be seen in his divine guidance.
Psalm 78:14 – He guided them with the cloud by day and with light from the fire all night.

5) God’s light is manifested in God’s favour.
Psalm 4:6 – Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord.

 

Let us take a look next at the “Descriptives of Christians as light” as to understand who are the Christians who really shine forth?

1) Witness to Jesus Christ
John 5:35 – John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.
Here the scripture talks about John, the baptist, who came before Jesus as a witness to Him and to testify about Him. If you also want to shine, be a witness of Jesus Christ. Share the gospel, tell people about the good news- the good things that have happened in your life because of Jesus.

2) Perform good works.
Mat 5:16 – In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Be visible, share, help, get involved, so that others will see and glorify your Father in Heaven.

Phil 2:14-15 – Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe

3) Become a missionary
Mat 10:27 – What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; which is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.
It doesn’t mean that you give up your jobs, but it means to go as a missionary, with the sole purpose to reach the people and share the gospel.

4) Walk as Children of light
Eph 5:8-14 – For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: ” Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Have transformed lives- let go of your old ways and lead better lives. Between your past and present behaviour, can the people closest to you (family, friends) tell any difference?

5) Love your brothers
1 John 2:9-10 – Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in light and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.

Brothers here refers to our fellow church members. Have no animosity, bitterness among yourselves. Forgive, do not hate. Then you will be the light of the world.
Our light shines brightest when the contrast is the greatest. Jesus said and did things that were in sharp contrast with those of the Pharisees and Sadducees of His time. Be like Jesus wherever you be- at job, society, home…, then your light will shine bright in the darkness.

 

Now as we close let us see if we can identify with these statements. If we can, then we are shining as light in the world.

1) We turn the other cheek when we are attacked.
This is not talking about a physical attack, but an attack on our reputation, motives, intentions when we are found doing or being good. At that time can we turn our other cheek, specially when the hurt comes from our loved ones?

2) Give our employees another chance?
God has given us so many chances. Can’t we respond in kindness to our enemy or competitor?

3) Go the second mile?
Do more than is expected out of you.

4) Rather see men saved than to make a profit from them.

5) Keep the word even when it costs dearly.

6) Honor all men, rich or poor. They are made in the image of GOD.

7) Use your money to build people, not people to build money.

8) Excellence in our life, not mediocrity.

To Reflect God’s light, bath under His light by spending time in studying God’s word and prayer, fellowship with God and His people. Fellowship=spend time with God. We already have a relationship of Father-children with God, don’t take your relationship with Him for granted, but spend time with God.