Seeing the Face of Christ in Our Congregational Life--Saturday, March 17

Matthew 5:14-16

¹⁴"You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. ¹⁵No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. ¹⁶In 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.

This verse in Mathew takes me back to nights long past spent staring into campfires. The lesson learned: A sure way for a promising hot coal to die is to leave the fire.

 In each Christian burns the light of God. Most Sundays, by worshiping together as a congregation we are given the opportunity to brighten someone’s week… or to have our week brightened. You see, for most of us, there are a few days when the internal light doesn’t shine so bright “before others;” some days our light doesn’t shine bright even to us. Those days should serve as a reminder of the continuing need for Christians to worship together, to come together to support and guide each other.

 If Mathew were alive today he might have written 5:14-16 more along these lines from Godspell:
You are the light of the world
You are the light of the world
But the tallest candlestick
Ain't much good without a wick
You've got to live right to be the light of the world

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzyHcAkCYHI

Bill Summers

For reflection:

Think of a time when your light was dim, and it was ignited by the presence of another.  How were you revived…and how did it feel?
How does your experience of community at CTK ignite your passions and your zeal for the Lord?

When have you been able to “shine your light” in another’s path?