You are the light of the world. Matthew 5:14 (a)

The Bible, in Genesis, teaches us that one of God’s first acts was to bring light into the world. “And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.” Genesis 1:2-4. Bringing light to a world filled with darkness was not only important to God during the creation, but it continued to be a priority to Him. For 400 years Heaven was silent and God did not speak to men. But, at the end of that time of dark silence, God sent Light into the world again. This time, it was in the form on His Son, Jesus. “In him was life; and the life was the light of mankind. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” John 1:4-5

On this holiday, as we commemorate and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, we find ourselves fighting some of the same darkness that Dr. King fought – injustices and racism. However, the Bible lets us know that there is no new thing under the sun.  ^“The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:9.  Nevertheless, I did not think in my lifetime I would see such overt, blatant demonstrations of injustice and racism – especially coming from the pulpit. The very ones that the light of Christ had once shone upon are now discounting that same Light that shines upon others that do not look or do not act like them. It is appalling; it is disappointing; it is dark. They are not the only ones. It also comes from the highest office in this country. Injustice and racism are not the only darkness we face – crime, murders, domestic violence, rape, incest, child abuse, bullying, etc. are daily news stories all over this country.

However, God in His omniscient, infinite wisdom knew that we would be facing this day and these times, and He knew we would need lots of light to overshadow this darkness. Therefore, Jesus left us with these Words in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world.” Jesus also instructed us not to hide our light. “Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light unto all that are in the house. Matthew 5:15. Our light cannot be seen if it is hidden; it cannot be seen if we remain silent; it cannot be seen if we are fearful. It does not matter what the opposition says or thinks, we have been given our identity in Christ Jesus and He alone is the only authority in our lives. “. . . but now are you light in the Lord; walk as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8. So, in the midst of the looming darkness over this country and our cities, I challenge the children of God to shine!

An assassin thought he had removed Dr. King’s light, but here we are almost 50 years later still celebrating his light, celebrating his words and celebrating his actions. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day thought they had removed His light, but here we are over 2000 years later, still celebrating His light, celebrating His Words and walking in His light. Shine children of God the world needs our light! Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” Matthew 5:16.

This little light of mine I’m going to let it shine
Oh, this little light of mine I’m going to let it shine
This little light of mine I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

Ev’ry where I go I’m going to let it shine
Oh, ev’ry where I go I’m going to let it shine
Ev’ry where I go I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

All in my house I’m going to let it shine
Oh, all in my house I’m going to let it shine
All in my house I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

I’m not going to make it shine I’m just going to let it shine
I’m not going to make it shine I’m just going to let it shine
I’m not going to make it shine I’m just going to let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

Out in the dark I’m going to let it shine
Oh, out in the dark I’m going to let it shine
Out in the dark I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine