Shining Like the Moon
Shining Like the Moon
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 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.” – Matthew 5:14-16
Do you feel qualified to the “light of the world?”
I don’t know about you, but I feel very comfortable saying Jesus is the light of the world. He’s the Son of God. He was perfect. He died for the sins of the world.
I feel less comfortable saying I am the light of the world. I’m an ordinary human. I sin all the time. I’ve never laid down my life for anyone and even struggle at times to even show love to some people.
Yet, in our passage from Matthew, it’s Jesus talking. He says we are the light of the world. He doesn’t lie or just say something because it sounds nice.
We are the light of the world!
Why, Shining like the Moon?
Did the title of today’s post confuse you? Why not say, “Shining like the Sun?”
The moon is not in and of itself a light source. Rather, it reflects the light of the sun. Similarly, it’s not our light we shine into the world. We reflect the light of Jesus.
The moon also isn’t very reflective. It’s not like a mirror or even a well-polished, flat stone. It’s a dirty rock with lots of dust and all kinds of bumps, crevices, and angles. It has all the reflectivity of a dirty old tire.
Yet, it can light up the night. On a clear night with a full moon, you can see pretty clearly, even see great distances. That’s how powerful the light of the sun is.
We are a lot like the moon.
We have plenty of dirt and bumps and dark areas. We don’t do a great job of reflecting Jesus’ light. Yet, the Son’s light is powerful. Even reflecting off dirty old tires like us, it can light up the darkness of someone’s life. It can help them see Jesus and find salvation.
You Are the Light of the World
Jesus said it and it’s true. You, even you, are the light of the world. You can show Jesus’ love. You can share God’s Word. You can proclaim the Gospel. You can light people’s lives up with the light of Jesus and people’s lives will be changed.
So, let your light shine. You can even let people know you aren’t a great reflector. After all, they are dirty tires, too. Maybe they need to hear that Jesus loves people unworthy, dirty old tires, too.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for saving me, though I know I am not worthy. Help me to shine with Your light in my life that others may see You and come to know You as I do.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
