Matthew shared how Jesus was “baptized” and “tempted” by the “devil”, and he shared how “angels” ministered to Him afterward. Jesus heard that John the Baptist was thrown into prison, and He left His hometown to dwell in “Capernaum” where He began His ministry. Jesus began to preach saying, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”, and He called Peter, Andrew, James and John to be His followers. While Jesus' fame spread throughout Galilee many others were gathered unto Him. Matthew added, “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him, and he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is therefore good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”, and in chapter five and verse thirteen of his book, Matthew shared how Jesus said, “you are the light of the world” where we read:
You are
the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
The verse reads, “You are the light of the world.” Matthew began with the words, “you are the light” which means “the disciples of Jesus exist as the lamp and brightness” “of the world” which refers to “the circle of the earth and it's inhabitants and human family”. Jesus declared His disciples to be the source from which the “world” is made “bright and illuminated”.
The verse continues, “A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” Matthew added the words, “a city” which means “a dwelling place for people” “that is set“ or “that is founded, appointed, made and lies outstretched” “on a hill” which means “upon a lifting above the plain” “cannot be hid” or “may in no way and is incapable of being concealed and kept secret”. Jesus likened His disciples to a well lit “city” that is built upon a mountaintop which is unable to be kept secret to all who surround it.
When we consider Matthew's words in this verse, we see how followers of Jesus are like an “illuminated” “city” that rises above all others surrounding and can in no way be kept secret. The life of the believer and disciple of Jesus is to bring “light” into any place in which they enter. Others know there is something different about the people who align themselves with God's ways, and when “light” comes into a dark place, darkness flees. God desires a relationship with everyone who will “believe and trust” in His Son Jesus, and when they forsake their old ways of “darkness and evil” and align themselves with Him, they become the unhidden “illuminating influence” of the world in which they live.
Next time Jesus shares about, “a candle...put ...under a bushel”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book
“Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the
marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the
Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms
Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County"
in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
No comments:
Post a Comment