Daily Devotional – Friday, November 5, 2021
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Matthew 5:14 (NKJV)
During our early years in secondary school, the older boys told us about an adventure that only a few daring individuals would attempt every year. It entailed trekking from our school (which was located in a rural area) to the nearest town, over 35 kilometers away.
Some of us bought the idea. On the night the term ended, we sneaked the school at around 3.30 am. We were in a group of about 20 teenage boys, keen to prove to the rest of the school that we were men.
Suffice it to know that the trek was not easy. Our school was located in a hilly area and we were journeying downhill. We avoided the meandering road and use shortcuts where possible. All around us dogs were barking as we passed through or around homesteads.
Most of us did not know the road well, especially because it was pitch dark. A few of us had torches, but we marched on. We did not want the first buses from school to arrive in town before us because that would make our trek of no value in the eyes of our schoolmates.
As we began to tire, we saw something from a distance, which sparred our weakening legs on. The town’s shinning lights gave us the encouragement to continue walking. We knew our destination was on a hilltop. We moved towards it and arrived by 7.00 am.
The Special Lights of the Lord
Jesus told His hearers, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14). Like the town lights, which guided and motivated tired teenagers towards their destination, albeit from a distance, Christians are called to offer guidance and hope to the rest of the world.
We cannot exercise Christianity in the dark or in silence. We cannot be genuine Christians and no one knows it. Christianity is not a secret religion.
Jesus sheds more light on this analogy. He says, “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:15-16).
Your good works are a reflection of the light of God within you. When people interact with you and realize the power of God working in you, they will glorify God. Good works are the fruits of the power of God working in you.
Father, may Your light shine through me that people may glorify You.
