Transcript
One of the shocking things that Jesus says to His followers on the Sermon on the Mount is, "You are the light of the world." It's shocking and unsettling because in this moment, Jesus is actually placing His name on His followers. Jesus is the light of the world.
The Light of My Presence Sent Out
Now, what is He saying? He's saying this. "It is my plan to make the light of My presence, the light of My grace, the light of My wisdom, the light of My power known as I send my people out to be my light." That's not a commission for pastors or full-time missionaries or seminary graduates alone.
This is a commission for everyone who names the name of Jesus, who calls himself a follower of Jesus. All of us have been called to be lights in this dark world. If you're a recipient of God's grace, you are immediately also chosen to be an instrument of that grace in the life of others.
Now, here's the problem. The way most of us as believers, structure our lives between regular worship services, small group, men's Ministry, women's ministry, children's ministry, youth ministry, and volunteering for other kinds of ministries. Our lives outside of work and school are consumed by the inward ministries of the church, so we have little time left, little opportunity left to do this thing that Jesus has called for all of us to do.
The Suburban Garage Door Problem
You know, if you're living in the average suburb, you get in your car where the garage door is still closed. You don't open the door until you're in your car. You drive to where you want to go to get what you want to get. You don't get back out of your car 'til the garage door is closed again. You may have privacy fences around your yard. You probably live in a neighborhood that doesn't have sidewalks.
For many of us, there's no natural place in our everyday world where we have an opportunity to be a light. I would ask you, where are you shining in your neighborhood the light of the glory and grace and presence and power of Jesus? Or are you just trapped in the Christian ghetto?
