Be the light (Matthew 5:13-16)
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If salt is what makes a corrupt society no longer corrupt, light is for the living. It must be the incorruptible salt and the light that overcomes darkness. However, we cannot overcome the forces of darkness with our own strength. Darkness disappears automatically when light appears. By allowing the light to dwell in me, I must become the light and make the darkness disappear. What does it mean to be a light?
First, turn on the light. Turning on the lights is not our effort. It becomes the word of God, let there be light. It is the power of salvation through self-destruction. It used to be darkness, but now it is light in the Lord. When there is light, darkness cannot overcome. If you want your light to shine before people, you have to put your heart into the work of turning it on, put all your heart into prayer, and wait for the Holy Spirit that the Father has promised.
Second, it refers to the location of the lamp. The place where the lamp should be placed should be on the lampstand, not under the horse. Abram's place was neither Ur nor Haran, but it was the position of a shepherd who could not stay in one place. Not only the dark alleys, but the souls in darkness need more light. We must not hide the light with care and pleasure, but believe with our heart and confess with our mouth, so that our entire life becomes the glory of God.
Thirdly, it refers to illuminating the light. It is a natural fruit to shine as long as you possess it. The good deeds that are revealed as natural fruits are honest deeds, honest dealings, and sincere conduct. By treating us as we would like to be treated, we fulfill the teachings of the Law and the Prophets. We need to shine our light on each other first, illuminate the house together, illuminate the community together, and let that light shine to the ends of the earth.
Today's text is the first passage that calls God the Father. It is a title granted to those who live according to the purpose of becoming a light as a child of God. Like the miracle of Oh Byeong-eun, who brought out what he had from the hungry and delivered it as a blessing, I pray that the good deeds revealed through the life of the saints will bring glory to God.