WE SHINE

 

JULY 11, 2025

Matthew 5:14–16

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”



From the very beginning of the Bible in the book of Genesis we learn that light is God’s territory. God speaks light into existence. God wraps Himself in it. The New Testament tells us that Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world.” Today our reading takes a surprising turn, Jesus turns His followers (that is us too!) and says: “You are the light of the world.”

It’s a extraordinary statement. We are not the source of the light, we don’t generate the light. But like the moon reflects the sun’s radiance, we reflect the light of Christ as we walk with Him. This isn’t just a private experience of inner revelation. It is a public calling: to shine.

This call to shine invites us to a role as Jesus' Community to illuminate the darkness. This light, the Jesus speaks us in our verses above, is a radiance, a glow, for places where it’s needed: broken homes, weary hearts, anxious minds, injustice, division, loneliness. Jesus doesn’t say, “Try to shine.” He says, “You are the light.” It’s an identity, not just a task.

Think for a moment, Who has been a “light on a stand” for you in your faith journey? What was the light that their life reflected? (Pause on these questions, before reading on)

Here is the thing, when we live with compassion, integrity, joy, justice, and grace, we shine! And when we shine, others see, not us, but God’s beauty through us. Our lives reflect the glory of the Father, revealing His magnificence.

Think of the solar-powered garden lights that are quite popular these days. During the day, they absorb light from the sun, but they only shine when the darkness falls. They have been charging, quietly, all day long and when the night comes, they glow.

This is, in a way, how it works in the Christian life. Time with Jesus “charges” us, through prayer, worship, Scripture, and community. And when we step into dark places, we shine because we’ve been energized by the presence of Jesus. Let us face it, we shine best when we’ve been in community with Jesus. His light in us is what the world needs to see.

Where is there need for light? 

How can we “put it on a stand” this weekend? Through a word? Through an action? By a decision?

I wonder if over this weekend we might look for one specific way we can “shine before others” and let our light shine, in a place, situation, or to a person who may need to experience and see the magnificence of God's light.

Let's Pray

Jesus, Light of the World,
Thank You that You have called me to be a reflection of Your light.

Help me not to hide or withhold the light You’ve placed in me.
Give me courage to shine in dark places, not to be seen,
but so that others might see You and give You glory.
Make my life a lamp of hope, a guide toward grace, and a reflection of Your love.
Amen.