"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."
- Jesus
It's amazing to me how Jesus can be encouraging and convicting in the same breath. As I continue to deal with the reality of this verse in my life I'm left undone by its simplicity, beauty, and challenge. In these few sentences Jesus gives an empowering declaration of identity, two illustrations of boldness grounded in that identity, and finally a call to a life of demonstration where the end goal is that which matters most...the glory of God. This three-fold movement of declaration, illustration, and demonstration bring clarity to the incarnational reality of following Christ. Jesus' teachings are not abstract ideals, but rather divine truth grounded in the dust of the earth and enshrined in flesh and blood. Identity and responsibility are inseparable.
"To pray as a Christian demands concrete involvement in trying to bring about what is pleaded for in prayer."
- Roland Rolheiser, The Holy Longing
I can't help but be left with the question...what "light" am I shining? Is it a blinding light that repels, or a warm glow that welcomes? What "works" are displayed by my light? Do I ask for more than I am willing to be and do? Once again I am left breathless at the adventure that Jesus' calls us to, and grateful for the grace He provides that carries me.
0 comments:
Post a Comment