Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Matthew 5:13 NABRE
The Hebrew exiles return from their Babylonian capture, freed by Cyrus of Persia and find their holy city destroyed and in ruins. They are disheartened and fighting among themselves about what should be their next steps. But Isaiah in chapter sixty (see specifically 60:1-3 and 19-22) speaks of a Jerusalem that will be radiant, completely restored and made brilliant by the return of God to the temple. The prophet is encouraging the people to know their place, that they are to be a light to all nations, the chosen people of Israel a sign of salvation and glory for all nations, All kingdoms will come to the light and glory of Jerusalem, its brightness rising and God’s glory seen upon the people.
Jesus has spoken the words of the beatitudes, challenging those listening to live as if they already are in the kingdom of God. Being disciples who follow the beatitudes, Jesus now challenges us to be like the nation of Israel, to be a light for all to see. Disciples are to live lives of honor and goodness, thus brightly radiating that it is the glory of God that shines through us. Jesus wants His follows to live and be seen so when people see us, God’s glory is revealed. How do we live lives of honor, good and peace, by following the will of God and pointing to God as the means of our joy? When people see our good deeds, when people see us living happy and blessed following the teachings of the beatitudes they will think to themselves I want to be happy like them and they will know the only way to be this happy is to follow and glorify God. God is the light we radiate, we should be set on a lampstand giving light to all in the house.
Do you let your light shine? Are you shining God’s glory?
When people see our good deeds, when people see us living happy and blessed following the teachings of the beatitudes they will think I want to be happy like them and they will know the only way to be this happy is to follow and glorify God. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #light #shine #Matthew #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #Matthew #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways