LIGHT REPELS THE DARKNESS
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, 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 who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
One of my favorite movie series is The Lord of the Rings. In Return of the King, the final film in the trilogy, characters are nervously preparing to defend a key city from a siege by the enemy. The hour is dark, hope is ebbing, and the city will fall unless allies reinforce it. Key characters have encouraged the city’s leader to call for aid, but he refuses the need, and his courage is faltering. The key characters take it upon themselves to light a beacon at the height of the city, which starts a chain reaction of lit beacons that stretches for miles to inform allies of the city’s need. Despite the leader’s foolishness, the beacons are lit, hope is kindled, and the cry for help is communicated and does not go unanswered.
Jesus may not have had this exact image in mind when He spoke the words in Matthew 5:14-16, but He knows all things, so who knows! Regardless, the light on a hill can be seen for miles, a symbol of hope and salvation for those overtaken by the darkness. The night may seem like it’s winning, but light repels darkness and morning is always coming.
This is the image Jesus wants to instill in His followers. God, in His infinite goodness and mercy, uses us as image-bearers, as reflections of His light and glory for a world shrouded in darkness. If you have read the preceding devotionals this week, you’ll have seen the repeated need for us to be sources of light in this world. Today, let’s come at this from a different angle: if you’re a source of light, the darkness will hate you and try to extinguish your light in the world. If you’re the light on a hill, the enemy also knows where you are.
If you’re committed to being a light, pray for the strength and steadfastness to stand strong and be careful not to fall (2 Corinthians 10:12). Too many lights have repelled darkness, only to be extinguished due to pride, carelessness or a lack of conviction. Count the cost, pray for strength and remember that all the glory is meant for your Father who is in heaven.
APPLICATION: Think of areas where you’ve stood strong and been a light. Have you experienced victory over sin lately? Did you have a promising conversation with a family member who needs God? Have you repelled darkness by resisting evil? Take time to thank God for the opportunity, then pray for a double portion of strength and light to stand strong. Humble yourself, put on God’s armor (Ephesians 6) and remember to give God the glory.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for using me to be a light in this world. Help me to stand strong and be careful not to fall. It’s all for You, so help me to rest in Your power, Yours alone. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?