Isaiah 42:3 - The Messiah Cares for His Own People

Jesus cares for his own people

God Turns Everything Around for Our Benefit

Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Whatever happens in our lives, whether good or bad, we can be absolutely certain that God has allowed it. Whatever comes our way, He will eventually use it and turn it around into an eternal blessing. This is a sure promise to all who have been called into His royal family. God has ordained that His circle of blessing will encompass our whole lives for His greater purposes.

God's Plan for You

God has a wonderful and detailed plan for your life. The only thing that can thwart God’s plan is you! God knew you when you were still in your mother’s womb. Even then, your Daddy was picturing that glorious golden crown on your head. He has predetermined that one day you would shine the glory light on Him during your earthly life. Our Abba Father wants us to have the same type of character as our big brother, Jesus.

Is Your Light Shining Today?

Matthew 5:14-16 - You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

How is your faith flame today? To grasp the full significance of Matthew 5:16, it’s important to consider its context within the Sermon on the Mount. This sermon, found in chapters 5 through 7 of the Book of Matthew, outlines key principles of Christian living. Here, Jesus teaches His followers how to cultivate a heart that seeks righteousness and demonstrates love for others.

The Meaning of "Let Your Light Shine"

1. Symbolism of Light: “Let your light shine” symbolizes the goodness, kindness, and truth that should emanate from a believer’s life. It encourages individuals to be open and visible about their faith. When you let your light shine, you’re not hiding your beliefs but showcasing them through actions and words.

   
   

2. Community Aspect: The call to shine your light “before others” highlights the communal aspect of faith. Christianity isn’t just a private matter; it’s meant to be shared. People are watching, and our actions can serve as a testimony of God’s love and grace.

   
   

3. Performing Good Deeds: Matthew 5:16 emphasizes performing “good deeds.” These deeds can be anything from helping those in need to showing compassion to others. The focus is not just on our actions but also on the motivations behind them. Genuine good deeds stem from a heart transformed by Christ.

   
   

4. Glorifying God: The ultimate goal of letting our light shine is to bring glory to God. Our actions should lead others to recognize the source of our goodness, encouraging them to seek a relationship with Him. It’s a powerful reminder that we are not the centre of attention; rather, our lives should point to something greater than ourselves.

   
   

Practical Application of Matthew 5:16

Believers have a valuable role to play in the world. When we understand our purpose—like salt enhances flavour—our lives can positively impact those around us.

Jesus’ Promise to His Followers

Hebrews 13:5-6 - Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he has said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper…

Here is more reassurance of Jesus’ love and commitment to His church family. Do you believe that Jesus will never leave you or forsake you? Can you boldly say that The Lord is your helper? Amen.

To Be Sure

Jude 1:24 - Now unto him that can keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.

Here is more wonderful reassurance from scripture that Jesus can keep your faith alive and considers it a great joy to eventually present you to Father God. Jesus has really big faith to present you and me to Father God without fault!

Summary of Key Learning Points

If your faith is hanging by a thread, Jesus wants to restore you. If your flame of faith is on the verge of going out, Jesus wants to fan that flame back into a bright light. Jesus came to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.

Whatever happens in our lives, whether good or bad, we can be certain that God has allowed it. He will eventually use it and turn it around into an eternal blessing. Amen. Jesus is able to keep you from falling and to mend our fractured reeds and fire up our wicks of faith.

Whole reeds

Bright flame

Conclusions

Gentle Jesus is not in the business of finishing off people’s faith. If your faith is hanging by a thread, He wants to restore you. If your flame of faith is on the verge of going out, Jesus wants to fan that flame back into a bright light with the oxygen of His love.

Jesus has entrusted us with this ministry to help our brothers and sisters in the church family to be made whole and burn brightly in our witness to Him. Let us do it. Amen.

Amen

Personal Prayer