Dear
Friend, grace and peace be unto you from God our Father, and our Lord
and Savior, Jesus, the Christ. Amen.
This sermon series on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount is about learning who we are, as children of God and followers of Jesus. In knowing who we are, we are enabled by God's grace to make godly decisions and know what to do to live God's Kingdom now.
Our theme for today is "Shining for God." Jesus said,
"I am the light of the world" (John 8:12; 9:5). Here He says
"You are the light of the world." What a statement! What a compliment! What a responsibility! Whatever light is and does, you and I are to be and do. This is who we are.
Your character is light
The disciple who follows Jesus is light. You are light. You undergo, by God's grace a radical transformation to become like Jesus, and to reflect the light of Jesus in the world. Light is and does several things.
Light is clear and pure. It is clean, good, right, true. You, as light, have a new nature within that is pure and holy.
Light penetrates. By its nature it cuts through darkness and eliminates it. You, as light cut, strip away the darkness of the world with Jesus' wonderful light of love.
Light enlightens. You, as light, project a new vision for the world.
Light reveals. It opens up the truth of an area. You, as light, reveal the very truth of God, Jesus, to the world.
Light guides. It directs the way to go. You, as light, provide the world a new path, a right path to travel pleasing to God, living His Kingdom now.
Light discriminates between the right way and the wrong way. You, as light, have a discriminating mind and heart to know God's will.
Light warns. It warns of danger that lies ahead. You, as light, are a
"whistleblower" on the deceit and corruption of the world.
Light warms. Light radiates heat. You, as light, radiate the warmth of your loving God to those around you.
This is who you and I are. You are the light of the world. Jesus said,
"While I am in the world, I am the light of the world" (John 9:5). He is no longer here in bodily form but He is here in you and me. His light is now in you. You are lights reflecting Him to the world.
Your place to shine is in the world
Your place and my place to shine, to reflect Jesus, is the world. This is where you live and minister. You and I, all believers around the world, occupy some place in which we shine forth Jesus. Wherever that place may be as you live and travel, shine forth Jesus.
The world has no other light - you are it. Therefore, you are very important. Your influence is very important on the world. In your life, work and play, shine forth Jesus.
You are an unavoidable witness
Jesus says two things about the city: it sits on a hill and it cannot be hid. Two things are said about the lamp: it is put on a stand and it gives light to everyone in the house.
Obviously, Jesus is saying that His followers are visible in the world. They stand out among all the different cultures, races and religions of the world. You and I know how much we stand out. We get criticized for standing out sometimes. Yet, we are proud to lift high the cross.
You are like a city or lamp sitting in a dark world.
You are a light with varying degrees of brightness. You can shine dimly for Jesus or you an shine brightly.
You can shine alone or you can combine your light with others to shine brighter. We at St. Mark's can shine brighter for the world to see as we combine our lights to reach out to the community and world for Jesus.
You are seen by many. You stand out in the world and do not hide your light. You want Jesus to be seen in you.
If you confess the name of Jesus you can't hide. You will be known or found out at some point. Your life will reflect Jesus.
You have a mission
Your purpose in life is to be light. This is who you are and what you are to do to God's glory. You have light already within you, you simply need to let it out. Jesus says, "Let your light shine."
You and I can refuse to shine. We can turn our light off or dim it, shade it, or direct its beam in another direction. If we do that we are not living who we really are. There are a couple of reasons you and I are to let our light shine.
You are to let your light shine in order to show forth good works. "Let your light shine" means to let your faith and your works be seen by others. Not one or the other, but both.
You are to let your light shine in order to stir people to glorify God. This is the supreme reason why you and I let our light shine. We are to bring God the glory. This is always our primary aim in life.
You may know that Franklin Graham, Billy Graham's son, works with a social ministry called
"Samaritan Purse." Their statement of mission declares that they will not hand out food, clothing, shelter or medical aid, without accompanying those works with the word. They provide a balanced ministry of sharing Jesus in word and deed.
God is glorified when you and I get out into the darkness and shine for Him.
God is glorified when you and I get out of our cloistered walls and shine for Him in our families, community and world.
God is glorified when you and I help others come to shine for Him by putting their trust in Jesus and putting on His light.
This is who you and I are by the grace of our God in our baptism and faith.
This is what we are called to be and do in the world - living God's Kingdom now. Now you know. May God's grace make this mission possible for you and me. Lift high the cross. Let your light shine.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.
