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. When Jesus' fame spread throughout Galilee many others were gathered unto Him. Matthew continued to write, “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. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid”, and in chapter five and verse fifteen of his book, Matthew shared how Jesus said, “a candle … under a bushel” where we read:
Neither
do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a
candlestick; and it gives light unto all that are in the house.
The verse reads, “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick;” Matthew began with the word, “neither” which means “but not even and in no way” “do men light” which means “do people set on fire, burn and consume with fire” “a candle” which refers to “a lamp or other illuminator”, “and put it under” or “and place, set, fix and establish the lamp beneath or below” “a bushel” which means “a container which holds approximately sixteen sextarii, a peck or about nine liters of dry material”, “but” or “nay, rather, yes and moreover” “on a candlestick” which refers to “upon a lamp-stand or candelabrum”. Jesus referred to the way people “light” a “lamp or candle” and place it upon a “lamp-stand” or “candlestick”.
The verse continues “and it gives light unto all that are in the house.” Matthew added the words, “and it gives” which means “and the candle bestows, grants and provides” “light“ or “radiant brilliance and shine” “unto all” which means “toward and for each, every, the whole and everyone” “that are in the house” or “who are within the dwelling place or edifice”. Jesus mentioned how an unhidden “lamp or candle” provides “illumination” for everyone who dwells within a house or building.
When we meditate upon Matthew's words in this verse, we see how the follower of Jesus will “illuminate” every place in which they walk. They radiate the “Messiah Jesus”, and anyone within their presence will know they are a reflection of the “Savior” whom they love and serve. God desires to have a family of people who have put their faith and trust in His Son Jesus, and when they align themselves with His ways, they become as an unhidden “lamp or candle” to every person who surrounds them. May these words challenge all those who seek the Lord Jesus to ask Him to shine forth to everyone through their lives.
Next time Jesus shares about, “so let your light shine before men”, 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.
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