Jesus taught his disciples saying, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14–16, ESV
This chapter of Matthew is full of teachings from Jesus that all line up with the final calling that He has for us. The Christian life is not a guarantee that all will go well as long as you faithfully attend church and give to the ministry. It is a calling of complete obedience and total commitment. We are not meant to be like the world, nor are we to be like previous religious leaders from God’s chosen people. The Law of God still stands until we find fulfillment in Jesus Christ our Lord. The reality of the Law is not that we fail to keep it, but we find that the world often celebrates those who break it. Fornication is no longer seen as a sin in the eyes of the world with the caveat, “As long as it is between consenting adults and no one is really hurt.” The new motto, “Love is love,” resonates in our ears and is placed before our eyes. When people steal and loot we are told that, “It is for justice from past grievances.” Our world seeks to not only look away from sin but to make it as though there are no sins at all. There, however, is hope for us as we speak the truth in love and proclaim our Lord. He, who has called us, sees and celebrates those of us who believe even when the world stands against us. We see the enfolding darkness and stand as a light. Like moths, there are those who are drawn to the light and desire to know the good news, but the light attracts those who will only wish to snuff it out and destroy it, also. In Christ’s strength, we can stand firm knowing that we have the truth ever before us. There were many who celebrated the death of our Lord Jesus Christ upon the Cross, but they did not fully realize until it was too late that the battle was already lost. As the world seeks to destroy the message of hope our Lord brings, we find that our Lord raises up even more to proclaim His truth as we stand together as the light.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.