Devotional: Follow the Light Matthew 5:14-16; John 8:12

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matt. 5:14, NASB).

Our country is living in some dark days. We are faced with the Coronavirus pandemic that has altered the lives of people living in over one hundred countries. In America the spread of this disease has affected every sphere of everyday life for both individuals and institutions. The days are dark because we were not prepared to meet the healthcare challenges brought about by the disease. The threat of death has led to government officials, mayors of cities and governors of states, issuing orders that limit the activities of individuals, businesses, schools and other institutions in our cities and states. There are economic ramifications because of the shutdown of businesses that result in unemployment.

In the book of John the word “dark/darkness” refers to the absence of knowledge; particularly the knowledge of God. We first learn in Genesis 1 that the world was in darkness until God created light. The world that was in darkness and chaos begin to take on form and purpose that God determined to be good. In the same manner, Jesus tells His disciples that those who are in the kingdom of heaven (God) are the ones that must expel the darkness in the world. They are to place their light on a hill so that everyone can see it. Instead of putting their light under a basket, they are to put their light on a lampstand so that everyone can see it. How do we become the light? What is the source of our light?

We become lights when we become believers in Jesus. Jesus is the source of our light because Jesus is the light. Jesus is the incarnate word of God that first spoke light into existence. As our country goes through this dark period, we who are the light must use this opportunity to be shinning lights telling the world about the salvation that is available through Jesus Christ. While there is uncertainty because of the coronavirus pandemic, we can tell the world about our hope of eternal life that we find in Christ Jesus. We can act on the commands of Jesus to love God and our neighbors. The love of Christ causes us to take whatever action that we can to help alleviate stress, needs and discomforts in our world.

Prayer: Lord, You are our light in these dark days of the coronavirus pandemic. Grant us hills and lamp stands to hang our lights for the word to see you. Amen.