The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is
snuffed out. ~Proverbs 13:9
The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: “when one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth.” ~2 Samuel 23:3-4
When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” ~John 8:12
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven. ~Matthew 5:14-16
Jesus, as light of the world, is leading a parade! He is leading a parade of lights! He says that we are light. The good that we do, following Him, leaves a little trail of lights in His train for all to see. I like that picture.
When He led the Children of Israel, it was with a pillar of light that all could see. Now, He still leads but with His goodness. And, unlike the Children of Israel who grumbled and complained in His wake, we carry lights that display His glory and leave a trail of goodness for all to be blessed.
When Solomon says: “The light of the righteous shines brightly,” he is mostly referring to behavior. One shows righteousness by action; the outpouring of a heart that wants to please God. Righteousness is acting as Jesus in love and concern for others. Jesus says: “let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.” Our works of righteousness give Him glory. Hallelujah!
“The lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out,” but Jesus says: “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” The wicked may have a light, but they are not part of Jesus’ parade. Their light will be put out because it does not give glory to God.
We need to guard our light as well and be careful with the precious gift we have been given. We can do this by tending to our fuel and wick. Keep our eyes on Jesus to faithfully follow Him. We must not allow our flame to become polluted by particles that don’t belong there. Jesus says: “A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”
We are giving God glory even by simply blessing our families in our homes. Little points of light all over the darkness from the stars, to the candle in your hand that represent God’s goodness, bring Him glory, honor, and praise. God will keep them shining. He finds them beautiful as they continue to spread and overcome the darkness.
The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: “when one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth.”
Do you see Jesus on Easter morning, as the first of many in His train as He leads them through the streets on their way to heaven? Let’s continue to share our light that it may glow and grow forever.
Prayer: Father, sometimes my life seems so dull. I know it's not Your fault. Thank You for forgiveness and salvation. You love me so much! When I think about that and give thanks for You, my countenance brightens. Praise You Lord, in Christ I can be brilliant! May Your goodness flow through me to others as I walk behind You in Your parade of light. I want to shine for You Jesus! In Your name I pray. Amen.
Song: We Are the Light of the World
The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: “when one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth.” ~2 Samuel 23:3-4
When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” ~John 8:12
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven. ~Matthew 5:14-16
Jesus, as light of the world, is leading a parade! He is leading a parade of lights! He says that we are light. The good that we do, following Him, leaves a little trail of lights in His train for all to see. I like that picture.
When He led the Children of Israel, it was with a pillar of light that all could see. Now, He still leads but with His goodness. And, unlike the Children of Israel who grumbled and complained in His wake, we carry lights that display His glory and leave a trail of goodness for all to be blessed.
When Solomon says: “The light of the righteous shines brightly,” he is mostly referring to behavior. One shows righteousness by action; the outpouring of a heart that wants to please God. Righteousness is acting as Jesus in love and concern for others. Jesus says: “let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.” Our works of righteousness give Him glory. Hallelujah!
“The lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out,” but Jesus says: “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” The wicked may have a light, but they are not part of Jesus’ parade. Their light will be put out because it does not give glory to God.
We need to guard our light as well and be careful with the precious gift we have been given. We can do this by tending to our fuel and wick. Keep our eyes on Jesus to faithfully follow Him. We must not allow our flame to become polluted by particles that don’t belong there. Jesus says: “A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”
We are giving God glory even by simply blessing our families in our homes. Little points of light all over the darkness from the stars, to the candle in your hand that represent God’s goodness, bring Him glory, honor, and praise. God will keep them shining. He finds them beautiful as they continue to spread and overcome the darkness.
The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: “when one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth.”
Do you see Jesus on Easter morning, as the first of many in His train as He leads them through the streets on their way to heaven? Let’s continue to share our light that it may glow and grow forever.
Prayer: Father, sometimes my life seems so dull. I know it's not Your fault. Thank You for forgiveness and salvation. You love me so much! When I think about that and give thanks for You, my countenance brightens. Praise You Lord, in Christ I can be brilliant! May Your goodness flow through me to others as I walk behind You in Your parade of light. I want to shine for You Jesus! In Your name I pray. Amen.
Song: We Are the Light of the World
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