Friday, 22^nd September 2023

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: THE DISCIPLE’S INFLUENCE

THEME SCRIPTURE: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. What did Jesus mean by we are the light of the world?

 

At a point, Jesus exclaimed, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5). Now that He is gone to the Father, who is the light of the world? You, of course! Actually, Jesus referred to his disciples as being the salt and light of the world, as pointed out in our theme scripture. Designating the disciple as light and salt is remarkable.

Both light and salt are expressive, and they define a service beyond themselves.

It is said that the Romans in Jesus’ day were fond of saying, “There is nothing more useful than sun and salt.” In fact, Romans were paid in salt, which is where the phrase “He is not worth his salt” was coined. Salt and light are supposed to be the characteristics of the new believer in Christ. These two symbols point to the enriching and preservative influence of the believer [Christians] in this world and the witness we share about Christ.

Precious one, you are the light of the world. This light is no ordinary light. This light is God, for God is light and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).

Therefore, you, as the child of light, must reveal openness with no secret about your commitment to Christ and His life you live. You are the light because you are God’s influence in this world for openness and honesty. Wherever you go, the people who walk in darkness must see the great light (Jesus). Those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them must the light of God shine (Isa 9:2).

Precious one, you are the light of the world, serving as a guide to travellers in this life. You are to light this dark world, pointing men to Christ [the source of our light]. Light brings life, while gloom or darkness spells doom. As a disciple of Christ, wherever you show up, the life of God must be revealed there.

Whenever you show up, evil men must be uncomfortable carrying on their enterprises. If evil men thrive around you, O child of God, then it's because you are not shining.

See, a city set on a hill cannot be hidden, and neither do men light the candle and put it under a bushel. Rather, the candle is placed on a candlestick, and it gives light to all those in the house (Matt 5:15). Jesus was saying that, as the light of the world, you do not have to detach yourself from the world where your service is needed. Thus, according to Tasker, “The disciple must not hide himself, but live and work in places where this influence can be felt.” Every true believer in Christ must demonstrate clearly and openly, by his or her lifestyle, that he or she is born of God (visibility) and that he or she is God’s solution to this generation (service).

By the way we live among men, they are to see our good works and glorify our Father, who is in heaven (Matt 5:16).

Beloved in Christ, today, reflect on these questions: “How visible am I, by my lifestyle and confessions, that I am born of God?” “How well am I pointing men to Christ by the way I live?” You are the light of the world. Just be who you are so you can be a blessing to your generation. Keep Shinning! 

 

FURTHER READING – Matthew 5:14-16

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. Light is pure. How pure is your way of life so that men can see and glorify our Father in heaven?

 

CONFESSIONS

Precious Father, thank you, for you have made me a true light to this world. I affirm that from henceforth, my way of life is aligning with who I am. Wherever I go, my life is revealing Jesus and His love. I am blessed to be a blessing to my world. Glory Hallelujah!

 

Year Bible Reading Plan

1 Chronicles 5; Ezekiel 18; Luke 15