The light of life

NORSK
The second of Jesus’ “I am” statement, is “I am the Light of the world!” (1). Even though there is no problem associating the other attributes of Jesus with his followers, the attribute of being “Light of the world” Jesus explicitly also assign to his followers.

In his sermon on the mount, he said:

“You are the light of the world …. let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16

These are well known verses, and it is interesting that Jesus connects the shining light with good deeds that will glorify God. This connection is also interesting in a holiness-perspective, and was one of the reasons why John Wesley made the statement: “No holiness, but social holiness” which I referred to in the blog: “Engaged for others” six months back.

In the narrative when Moses came down from Mount Sinai, we read that:

“he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.”
Exodus 34:29b

David testified:

Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
Psalm 34:5

After having prophesied the promise that God’s Spirit will not depart from you from this time on and forever, Isaiah continues with this exhortation:

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”
Isaiah 60:1

This glory will lead to action, to good deeds. It is the light that drives the deeds, never the good deeds that drives the light. It is always first into him, who is the source of the attributes, and then out in the world to bring glory to the Father.

‘Manna’ for today:

Bring his light of life (1) into the world: Arise and shine!

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(1) “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12