Beautiful words from Jesus:
"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand - shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."
(Matt 5:14-16, MSG)
What beautiful literary pictures...God-colors...light-bearers...SHINE!!
Sometimes I feel like the world, or even Christians, feel like the Christian life is drab or dull at best. But in reading the words of Jesus, I am reminded of our ultimate goal on this earth: to reflect Him. We are being refined daily, for the ultimate goal of our Maker seeing his reflection in His handy work. We are His handy work!
And who is this Maker we are reflecting? Our Maker is light and life, and not just creative, but the AUTHOR of creativity! What a wonderful God we serve! He has directed us to be bold in this life, don't hide away--go public with His message of love and mercy.
Dear Lord, open our eyes to the beauty of who You are! Let us see with our hearts and minds the unfathomable glory that you display. Remind us, Lord, that we are to reflect you, our wonderful Lord and Savior, not the dim visions of this world.
Remind us today of your words and direction to be light, be bold, be gracious, and be generous!
In the precious Name of Jesus, Amen!