Rochester, MN UCC - "“The Light of the World” - Matthew 5:13-20

"You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.” Jesus speaks these words to his first disciples: a group of young rural fishermen. In the scriptures treasured by Israel, light was the very first creation of God, it was called good and it cast out the darkness. Similarly, Jerusalem was famously known as a city on a hill. It was the chosen dwelling place of God. In this context, Jesus’ words to his young, poor, disciples are astounding. He’s telling them that they are the dwelling place of God. That God has created them to cast out the darkness of the world. They are the light! They are the city on the hill! 

 Although first spoken to Galilean peasants, these words of Jesus Christ apply to all his disciples; people of all walks of life, in all times and places. They apply to us. We are the light of God, created to cast out darkness. We are the city on a hill, the chosen dwelling place of God. How are we to live given this incredible revelation? Jesus does not wish us to be shy about it. “A city on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” We are called to share the light of God with the world. We are called to good works which give glory to God. 

 I will confess that there are moments, many moments, when I don’t feel particularly full of the light of God. There are times when I feel far too down, or hopeless, or angry, or just tired to do many good works or to shine much light around. What I have learned in my 40 plus years of attempting to be a disciple of Christ is that I can ask for help. I can ask for God’s help. I can spend time in prayer and meditation to help me focus on the presence of God which dwells within. I can ask God for greater awareness of the Holy Spirit within me. When I do these things, I find myself feeling less tired, less angry, less hopeless. It is not only possible for us to renew our awareness of God’s presence and power within us, it is necessary if we are to make any progress in following Jesus Christ. This Sunday let us gather together in prayer and worship that we might be renewed and refreshed by the awareness of God dwelling within us. And let us then go forth to share the light of God in the world, casting out darkness with truth, and light, and good works.

Rev. Andrew Greenhaw