Light

Happy Sunday. Years ago, maybe over 50 years ago, my parents took me to Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Ruby Falls is a pretty big cavern that contains a waterfall. You can still go there today. I vividly remember the moment they turned the lights off in that cave; it was part of the tour.

There we were in total darkness, Pitch Black. Suddenly the guy, the tour guide, lit a match, and I remember to this day how impressed I was that a small amount of light could overcome such a big Darkness. As we continue in our study of The Sermon on the Mount, we've made it to verses 14 to 16 in Matthew 5.

There Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your father in heaven."

In this section of scripture, Jesus tells his disciples that they are to be like that match in that cave, that in this Dark World... And sadly, we do live in a dark world, don't we? I don't watch the news on TV, but I do scan the headlines, and every day there's something. Darkness is everywhere.

The followers of Jesus are to be the light in the Darkness. Remember, a little light goes a long way. The lives of Believers should be such a contrast to this world. We're told that our good works should cause others to glorify God. I love it when I see Good Works in this dark, dark world.

Let me share with you a few that stand out to me. Years ago, our church in Indiana was host to three funerals of teenagers who died in a car wreck. It was a busy time. The church not only hosted the funerals, we hosted the visitations as well. There was a newspaper article about what we did, and the article, my wife was bragged on.

She was surprised that she was mentioned in the article. She always tried to stay in the background, but the reporter who was there noticed that Genie was delivering bottled water to family members that had to stand in line for hours and hours and hours at the visitation. It was a little thing, but it was a good work, and it was noticed.

On another occasion, I recall friends shoveling snow out of sidewalks and parking cars for a big event. Many commented on those who did such good works. It's funny, in our society we may think that we cannot do much for God unless we're at front and center. That is a Lie from the depths of hell.

People are watching us, all of us. Little things from people in the crowd can become big deals to those who are watching. A kind word tend to be a big deal, and all of us could do that. A phone call or a letter or a text or an email can make a big difference.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that all of us are to be light. In fact, Jesus said, "You are the light of the world." He didn't say you can be, you may be, you might be, you should be, you will be. He said you are. If you're living a life of obedience to God, you may just be surprised how many you are helping without ever knowing.

As you may know, David Shivers Ministries at the 501c ministry, and that means that gifts to the ministry are tax deductible. I tell you that's not asking for money, but I tell you this because one of my favorite supporters sends me a small amount every month. It's under ten dollars, but I love her support. She gives via PayPal and usually incurred, Inc, includes a note of encouragement that just means the world to me.

We've never met, but she's such an encourager. Her little act of kindness makes a huge impression on my life. I have a friend who texted me after my message last week from a remote cabin in Alaskan wilderness. That little thing meant a lot to me.

Jesus warns us not to hide our light. We are to shine. Don't you love people that shine? With your words, shine. With Your Love, Shine. With your forgiveness, shine. With your grace, shine. With your character, you are the light of the world, so shine.

Pray with me. Father, thank you for those that have lit up our life with their lives, some in big ways, who have done a lot and taught us and put up with us on by being chaperones or done something big. But I think of the others that have no idea, the ones that shook our hands or gave us candy or just said hello and made us feel welcome.

Help us to be the light this world needs, so that when they see these good works that are so different from the world, they give you glory, not us. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, amen. God bless. Thanks for joining me today.