By Larry Walters, a Sent One
Mat 5:16, “Let your light
so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father
which is in heaven.”
We have underlined and placed in italics verse
16 on purpose for this teaching for it will be the theme verse for us today.
What does it me to “let”? Does this imply that the shining
is up to us? In a sense, yes it does! If our lights are hidden then who are we
bringing glory to? Satan.
I believe that as we mature and live the life of a disciple
that there will come a point where it is as if our light is just “on” and all
see and know that we are followers of Messiah. Until this happens, “let” us
make sure that we are daily turning “on” the Light that is in us.
Also, the word “light” can also be translated as “to shine”,
or “make manifest” also “fire, (and) light.” In the darkness we have no problem
seeing a fire burning in the distance. We can easily see a light that shines
i.e. with rays.
One translation tells us “So let radiate the light of your’s
before men…” radiated light cannot be concealed. The definition of “radiate” is
to “Emit (energy, esp. light or heat) in the form of rays or waves… (of light,
heat, or other energy). Be emitted in such a way.”[1]
There is the audience, “before men” those within our scope
of influence and line of sight. This reminds me of a saying, “Share the Gospel
with everyone you meet; if necessary use words.” We are living epistles, living
books which should read from cover to cover the love and life of our Messiah.
And there is the “how” in which our lights are to shine or
radiate; through our good works. We are told, “As we have therefore
opportunity, let us do good unto all (men), especially unto them who are of the
household of faith.”-Gal 6:10 Moreover, in Eph 2:10 that, “we are His
workmanship, created in Christ Jesus UNTO GOOD WORKS, which God hath before
ordained that we should walk in them.”
Here is the reason, the “why” we are to shine. When we
radiate, it is the fire of Yah that is inside of us shining for the “kingdom of
God is within” us (Lk 17:21), and we cause others to glorify our Father! Our
purpose is to cause others to bring glory unto our Father.
This is where so many today miss the mark. They want to be
“Center-Stage.” They want to declare, “Look at what I have or we have done for
you God!” They want to see their “market-share” increase. They are more
concerned with vain-glory than eternal glory for the Father. Pride…it still
comes before destruction.
What about today? Is this passage still for us today? Let’s
look at “light” from a different perspective and then we can decide. Let’s look
at the “church” in general today.
I believe we all prefer to
live in our comfort zone. It is comfortable sitting around a coffee shop or in
our living rooms sharing with believers about Messiah. Do not misunderstand me
this fellowship is necessary for growth. However, it is not our dwelling place.
Too often we prefer this “comfortable
place” around the Father's table instead of going to work in His field. Praise
Yah, there are those who have heard the cries of the lost; those who are without
Hope. These cries are what drive them to push away from the table. And it
compels them to exchange robes of comfort for the garments of labor.
This keeps you up late at
night toiling in prayer while others are fast asleep. This is what will wake you
early in the morning. And this burden carries you throughout your day.
How do I know this? We have
been given the burden to reach the unreached peoples of India. At times it
seems almost too great to bear. And, at times, we can become overwhelmed when
our focus is upon the task before us.
Then we must remember to
place our focus upon the One Who told us to cast all of our cares upon Him. In exchange,
we become yoked together with Him. For His yoke is easy and His burden light. Still,
this is our cross to bear.
We are called to carry the Light
into the darkness. We tread into places where others fear to walk. Where great
darkness resides is the opportunity for the Light to shine greater still!
We do not measure
darkness…instead we measure Light; or its absence. The darkest corners of our
world are dark because the Light has not shinned upon them. We are called the “light
of the world.” The “Light of the World” has one purpose, to dispel the
darkness.
In a brightly lit room when
we turn on “another light” its effects are barely noticeable. In a room that
has no light; even the smallest flame can give revelation. When two or three flames
come together then all can see clearly and be warmed by their fire.
Have you ever gone camping?
Did you notice that after a while of living with minimal light how your eyes
became adjusted to the weakness of the light? In some areas the light is dim
and needs encouraged “to grow”.
At times while camping, the
fires burn out and there is almost no light. Even there, after a while, you can
begin to “see” your way around the campsite. When you turn on your flashlight
you can see much more clearly. His word is a lamp unto our feet and a light
unto our path!
And how many of us remember
sleeping in our cozy rooms all snuggled together with our blankets and pillows
when someone comes into the room and turns on the light. Ouch! “Turn off that
light, it’s too bright!” we cry. Try as we might to hide our eyes from the
light it seems to penetrate through our blankets so we cover our heads with our
pillow to no avail.
This is how it is when we
carry the Light into the dark regions without the Gospel. The Light has one purpose…to
dispel the darkness. This is the purpose for which Messiah came, that He might
destroy the works, the darkness, of the devil.
When we carry the Light to
those who have never heard we become partners, or one, with the Light! This is
why demons flee when we enter into their familiar places.
When the light comes in, we
are told, “Men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were
evil.”(Jn 3:19) The light has one purpose when it meets sinful men; to reprove
their evil deeds. (Jn 3:20) This is why those who do evil hate the light. But
we are not here to provide them with comfort and ease as they walk blindly into
hell.
No we are to be bright
shining; burning lights so that they can see there is a better Way. And that
Way is Messiah Yahshua! He is the Wt to the Father; without Him no one can come
unto the Abba. Please, stop trying to hide the Light that is in you!
Will you send us to carry the
Light to those who are still living in darkness? Better still, who will go with
us, shining the Light of Messiah where it has yet to be seen? Become a
torch-bearer of the Gospel and “let your Light so shine before men that they
might see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven!”
To partner with us visit our
website:
Together we will “So Shine”
in the world; bringing Him glory!
In Simple Obedience and Love,
Evangelists Larry and Ana
Walters
Apostle to the Peoples of India
Acts 26:16-18
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