During our baptismal rite we hear a command from Jesus. We hear this command in this Sunday’s Gospel text.
“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
The Epiphany light still shines through the words of Jesus in the fifth chapter of Matthew. Like the disciples who first heard these words, we hear His challenge to us to be “salt” and “light” in the world. The world still needs your light to shine, so that they may feel the goodness of God.
Preaching Question:
Are you a disciple?
The hymn “We are Called” will be featured at the Traditional Services this Sunday and “You are the Light of the World” will be featured at the New Day service.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encourages us to be the light of the world as we sing in New Day. Such living is fleshed out in “We are Called” where we sing of admonitions to come, shine, love, live, show mercy, and sing of the day when all will be made one in Christ Jesus. How is such a method of living counter-cultural?
Home Devotional Questions:
When you hear the term “disciple,” what comes to mind?
Jesus refers to you (and all followers of Christ) as light of or in the world. How do you shine?
In what ways do you point to the source of the light, Jesus Christ?
