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40 DAYS OF LENT: DAY #29
WORD OF TODAY: Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 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.
THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:
There is to be a brightness that shines into the dark world through which we sojourn. Jesus says here to those who follow Him, “you are the light of the world.” In John 8:12 Jesus says “...I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
These two statements of Jesus are not in disagreement. When Christ Jesus has touched our hearts, our souls, and our lives with His healing love the darkness fades and His light dwells within us. When we walk in His calling, we brightly reflect His light from within us into the world. Furthermore, collectively as the Church, we are His Body now present in the world.
If the light of Christ Jesus burns within you, it is to be raised up high and used for the witness to others. The people around us will see our hearts (Luke 8:16-18). Consider today the ways in which you have covered the light of Christ Jesus that burns from within you.
There may be times when we fear the light that burns within us, when exposed to the world in fullness, might get extinguished by the winds of this world. Darkness will try to defeat the light, but darkness cannot overcome the Light. Our light comes from an eternal fuel of love and grace, and it is to be shown to the world. Be intentional today to let the Light within you shine for all to see!