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
I am back with my weekly reflections and the last greeting was “Live the mission”. Our mission is to bring the life of Christ to people – linked to my focus for the year.
Many books have been written about the theme: ‘putting first things first’. Whether the context is leadership, time-management, values or any other subject, the bottom-line always seems to be the same: How can I get the most out of life?
Perhaps this is very close to our mission as well. I think it is possible to get the most out of life, by letting life get the most out of me – however with some modifications. It is easy to think that life is synonymous with everything around us wanting our attention. If I fall into the trap of trying to respond to all expectations and matters wanting my attention, I end up being lived by others, instead of living my own life. This is not what I mean by letting life get the most out of me.
I think that it would be possible to get scientific support for stating that without life there is nothing. But doesn’t that make the question “What comes before life?” invalid?
Not at all. There is something greater than life. Jesus stated:
“I am the way, the truth and the life”John 14:6
Here are three things mentioned before life.
- I am = God’s name – the one who creates and gives life (1)
- The way = the direction back to this life in its original state (2)
- The truth = the core of this life and how it should be lived. (3)
If we are going to live the mission, these three things need to be in place before life starts. Only then I will get the most out of life, and the life will get the most out of me. That is an intriguing thought.
‘Manna’ for today:
For life’s sake: First things first!
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(1) God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14
(2) The first Christians were named ‘Followers of the Way’ e.g. Acts 22:4
(3) “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32
