In our mid-week bible class, we are going through the gospel of Mark. In last week’s discussion, we read a verse that has been going through my mind repeatedly. It is found in Mark 4:21, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand?” This parable spoken by Jesus speaks of something’s purpose, in this case, a lamp. The lamp’s purpose is to bring light into darkness. Placing it under a basket or a bed would keep it from its intended purpose. The parable seems almost ridiculous, right? I mean, who in their right mind would put a lamp under a basket or a bed? Yet if I were to be brutally honest, how many times have I placed myself in dark places only to have my light, my purpose, be diminished or compromised in some fashion. You see, my purpose is to shine in this world.
So, the intent of this article is simply to remind us of our purpose as it is beautifully portrayed in God’s word. There are many bible verses we could consider. I think of Paul’s words to those in Corinth, “Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us” (2nd Corinthians 5:20). An ambassador acts as a representative. We, as God’s children, are called to represent Him to the world. How about what Paul writes to the church in Ephesus, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light…” (Ephesians 5:8). Realizing what we were and what we are now through Christ, reminds us of our purpose; that is, to walk as children of light. So today we build on this idea as we consider the words of our Savior found in Matthew 5:14-16.
“You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14)
This is Matthew’s account of what Mark wrote. It is interesting to see that this parable is on the heels of the beatitudes which speak of how we are to be different amid a broken world. In our text today, Matthew mentions our purpose; that is, we are to be the light of the world. There are so many bible verses that help us grasp who we are in Christ. When we understand them, we begin to also grasp our purpose as Christians. The apostle Paul would say “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10). This good work which God began, He plans to bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6). Part of that work is being the light of the world. One commentator writes that this reveals how Christians “are lights of the world, because they, by their instructions and example, show what God requires, what is the condition of man, what is the way of duty, peace, and happiness the way that leads to heaven.” To the church in Philippi, Paul, after reminding them that they are to “do all things without complaining and disputing” goes on to explain why, “that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14-15). Our purpose in this life is to be different from the darkness around us. Instead of blending in, we are to stand out. Our Savior is “the light of the world” and through Him we “have the light of life” (John 8:12). It only makes sense then, that we shine.
“A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” (Matthew 5:14-15)
Remember, Jesus just finished talking about the beatitudes. When we claim our purpose, embracing the joy that is found in walking with Christ, the inevitable happens, we shine. We, the body of Christ, are the “city on a hill” intended to bring light to all those around us. How so? By walking as children of light! By living out the beatitudes in our daily lives. Go the extra mile (Matthew 5:38-42), love your enemies (Matthew 5:5:43-48) and the list could go on of how we shine our light in this world. As much as we are blessed through Christ, it was never intended to be just that, our blessing. “It is given that we may benefit others. It is not to be concealed, but suffered to show itself, and to shed light on a surrounding wicked world” (Barnes).
Dwight L. Moody writes, “We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we will not need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses do not fire cannons to call attention to their shining- they just shine.” This is our purpose in life! To be a lighthouse to the world and be used by our Lord to draw those in the storms of life to safe harbor in Christ. Heavenly Father, You have given us the light of Your Son and we thank You for blessing us with Your grace. Now help us be the lights You have called us to be that others may come to know Your love.
Biddeford Church of Christ 