Vere after verse, the New Testament tells us that Jesus is the Light of the world. He came into this darkened world that is so full of sin, as a righteous, spotless Lamb, who would become the eternal Lamb and final sacrifice for all sins. No longer would lambs’ blood have to be offered for the sins of the people. And this Light would be for all people, not for the Jews alone.
For those who have accepted the Light, Jesus, have the Light liviing in them. Therefore, they shine a mighty glow when they walk in God’s ways.
-
Matthew 5:13-14 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden”.
Matthew 6:22-23“Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!”
Mark 4:21-22 Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine. For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light.”
Luke 1:78-79 Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.”
Luke 11:35-36 “Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light.”
John 3:20-22 “All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”
John 9:4-5 “We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.”
John 12:45-47 “For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it.”
1 Corinthians 4:5 So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.
2 Corinthians 4:5-7 You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.
But are you Shining your Light or are you living in a shadow, hiding your light under a bed of secrets? There is no good in light that is hidden. Like a child with a flashlight under the covers, the light only shines where there is no boundary to stop it. If the child removes the covers, the light fills the whole room so that all becomes visible!
Our eyes are the lamp to our body. If our bodies/motives are good and not sinful, light will fill our body. But if we are hiding a sinful secret, no light can get in for your body is already full of darkness. And the two cannot dwell together. If there is light, all is seen. If there is darkness, nothing is seen, but hidden…for a time. According to John 3:21-22, those who hate evil will hide from the Light, or try to, but all who are righteous, will freely come to the Light.
But we haven’t long to share the Light with the world…the lost, the ones in darkness. John 9:4-5 reminds us that time is short. Jesus will return like a thief in the night. And once He returns, the Light will be gone forever.
For us to shine our Light, which is Jesus in us, we must first be followers of Jesus ourselves. Once we are followers and have been taught the thruths of the Word, we are to become His disciples. Disciples follow the Great Commision which is to go and share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with all men and women. Any who will listen, tell them of this Light. Any who will hear you, shout it from your heart to them. Be enthusiastic. Be joyful. Be brilliant. For the only lights that do not shine are the ones that are burnt out, or not in use.
Are you shining your Light or are you hiding in the shadows. Jesus wants to know. Actually, He already knows. The question is, do you know?
Search my heart oh God, and know my thoughts I pray. Try me oh Savior and know my thoughts today. See if there be, some wicked way in me. Cleanse me from every sin and set me free.
Songs about Light:
Shine Jesus Shine – worship song
They Word Is A Lamp Unto My Feet – Amy Grant
Light a Candle – Whiteheart
The Flame Passes On – Whiteheart
Shine Down Your Light On Me – unknown
This Little Light of Mine – Sunday School Song
Go Light Your World – Twila Paris
Blinded Eyes – Petra
Angel of Llights – Petra
Father of Light – Petra