Matthew 5:16

Thursday, 21 November 2024

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

“Thus, radiate it – your light – before men, that they may see your good works, and they may glorify your Father in the heavens” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus spoke to the disciples about placing a lamp on a lampstand rather than placing it under a modius.  Now, He explains this to them, saying, “Thus, radiate it – your light – before men.”

In the same manner as a person takes the lamps and places it in a position where it will be most effective, so should the disciple place his lamp so that his light will be seen by all. A great example of following this precept is Paul. He first went to the synagogues in each city he visited. However, eventually, they usually rejected his word.

When this happened, he would move on to where the light was most useful, leaving his own Jewish brothers to wallow in their own darkness –

“On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, ‘It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us:
“I have set you as a light to the Gentiles,
That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.”’” Acts 13:44-47

This was consistently the case with Paul, going where he could shine forth the light of Christ. This is in accord with Jesus’ next words, “that they may see your good works.”

Whatever one does in faith is a work that has value. Paul followed through with this, faithfully living out his commission despite enormous difficulties that arose almost everywhere he went. This is true with many who have followed since. They have been lights in a darkened world, letting all see that Jesus is worth the sacrifice.

Ultimately, the goal finds its end purpose, as Jesus next notes, “and they may glorify your Father in the heavens.”

What was the result of Paul’s going to the Gentiles? The narrative in Acts continues with these words –

“Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.”

The word of the Lord is the word of God. And the word of God is a reflection of who God is. In glorifying in the word of the Lord, they were glorifying the One true God who gave that word to men. This is to be our chief aim and goal in life, that we glorify God through a proper presentation of the gospel. Let us be about this sacred business.

Life application: We are in a temporary world filled with temporary things. None of this is going to last. Our bodies will die and return to corruption unless the Lord comes first. Our homes would fall apart in mere years without regular upkeep. Our cars... how many have we gone through in our lives?

Having a fancy dinner or a quiet one at home... either feeds us, and it will be used up and eliminated in no time. All things are temporary except what we do with our service in furthering the gospel and bringing glory to God.

What are your priorities? Don’t follow after the fashions and desires of the world. Instead, look ahead to the prize of the high calling of Christ Jesus! Be about that and you will be about what is most important.

Glorious and almighty God, may we spend our days wisely, pursuing You and bringing honor and glory to You. May this be our greatest desire and passion all our days. Yes, Lord, may it be so to Your glory. Amen.