Where is the Light?
“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 5:13-16 -
Light is distinctive, penetrating, transforming. It is utterly contrasting to corruption and darkness. In the same ways God called the Israelites to live and behave differently in every dimension of their personal and social life, we too are called by Jesus to be set apart in our day. Holiness is an essential part of the mission of God’s people. Living out holiness is a part of practical living in our home, church, communities, in the counseling room. Being deemed light requires us to consider our missional resolve and involvement in the world.
Light implies contrast. If we are light, then the world is dark and corrupt. If the sun goes down and there is no light in a house, it gets dark. A lamp must be lit in order to protect from danger and avoid damage. In the same way, the world we live in is corrupt and dark. The light is used for a purpose, to confront darkness.
The thing about the sun going down and a house turning dark is that it is natural. This is what happens when the sun goes down, it's not the house's fault. The question that is asked as a result is where is the light? In the same way, when the world/society becomes dark and corrupt, we cannot blame the world, it's what fallen human nature does when it is left unchallenged, hidden, dangerous, and damaged. The question is where are the believers, the Christians? Where is the light?
