WE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

 
 Newsletter  122

Our text today opens with a reference that is linked to Isaiah 42:6-7. This, we know as Galilee, here called “Galilee of the Gentiles” because it was through this area that many Gentile traders first entered into Israel. Galilee had many non-Jewish settlers who made this their new home. The Jews thought of anyone who was not a Jew as being a heathen who lacked knowledge of God and therefore, they “sat in darkness.” Jesus brought light to them. Not just light, but “great light”. The saying that they lived in the “shadow of death” indicates that they were living under the punishment of death for their sins, even though they did not know it. Christ brought light to them.

Matthew 4:15-17

 15. The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
 16. The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
 17. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
This passage introduces the “Sermon on the Mount” which begins a few verses down in the next chapter with the “beatitudes,” a series of verses which all begin with the words, “Blessed are …” In Matthew 5:14-16, after those, the thought is returned to “Light.”

Matthew 5:14-16

14. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  
15. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.“
Many of us have thought within themselves, “How can I be a light? I have no special capabilities, I am very uncomfortable to be at the focus of everyone’s attention.” Because we feel that there is so little that we can do, we excuse ourselves from doing anything at all.
 
We completely miss the point, that God delights in using small things to accomplish great results. If we do not thrive under the scrutiny of the spotlight, do something that is off stage. Did you ever wonder what all the people do who are listed in the credits of a film. There are only a few actors on whom the camera has focused, but there are many we know nothing about who make the finished product possible. In a church of any size at all, there are only a few “up front”, but a whole host of others who are supporting team, each one doing their little bit. It wouldn’t work without them. Add the light God gave you to the candlepower of His people. Like He made the apostles to become “Fishers of men”, he can make of us, the “Light of the World.”    
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A friend, driving home from a fishing trip in northern Michigan with his boat in tow, had engine trouble a few miles inland from Lake Huron. He didn't have a CB radio in his car, so he decided to use his marine radio to get help. Climbing into his boat, he broadcast his call letters and asked for assistance. A Coast Guard officer responded, "Please give your location."

"I'm on Interstate-75, two miles south of Standish."

The officer paused, "Could you repeat that?"

"I-75, two miles south of Standish."

A longer pause. Then an incredulous voice asked, "How fast were you going when you hit shore?"

Let is praise God together for his gift to us all, and share that wondrous good news everywhere we go!

 I PLEDGE TO READ MY BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2009

 JANUARY

11th. Sunday - Genesis 24, Matthew 9:19-38, Psalm 8
12th. Monday - Genesis 25,26, Matthew 10:1-23, Proverbs 1:20-33
13th. Tuesday - Genesis 27,28, Matthew 10:24-42, Psalm 9:1-6
14th. Wednesday - Genesis 29,30, Matthew 11, Psalm 9:7-12
15th. Thursday - Genesis 31, Matthew 12:1-21 Psalm 9:13-20
16th. Friday - Genesis 32,33, Matthew 12:22-50, Proverbs 2:1-11
17th. Saturday - Genesis 34,35, Matthew 13:1-23, Psalm 10:1-11
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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."  James 1:5
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THE END IS NEAR

A local priest and a local pastor stood by the side of the road holding up a sign that said, "The End is Near! Turn yourself around now before it's too late!" They planned to hold up the sign to each passing car.

"Leave us alone, you religious nuts!" yelled the first driver as he sped by.

From around the curve they heard a big splash.

"Do you think," said one clergyman to the other, "we should just put up a sign that says 'bridge out' instead?
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