Verse of the Day 1/5

Verse of the Day 1/5

Matthew 5:16   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.   English Standard Version (ESV)

Matthew chapter 5 begins with the Beatitudes which show us that Jesus' ways went counter culturally, and that true happiness would be found in doing things, doing life from God's perspective.  Beginning in verse 3 regarding the poor in spirit, Jesus is showing us that the way up is down, the cultural norms are all turned on their heads.

The rest of the beatitudes are all rooted in this being "poor in spirit", being humble.  You can't be humble and be totally independent and self sufficient.  You can't be meek unless you've experienced a need for gentleness, you can't hunger and thirst for righteousness if you consider yourself to be good, "close enough to perfect".  You can't be merciful if you've never felt the need for mercy yourself.  You can't be pure in heart if when you are filled with pride.

The Beatitudes lead into the passage where we find today's verse.  It talks about being "salt and light".  The salt adds seasoning and "flavor" to life.  Salt was also used as a preservative.  Light dispels darkness, allowing us to see.

Jesus wants his followers to put these things into  practice.  In doing so we will experience his blessings as stated time after time in the beginning verses.  If that is the case we will also have an influence, and impact on those around us.

We may not all have a beacon, but whether it is a spiritual match, "a little light" or flashlight we should let it shine.

This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

As The Message puts it below, we are to be "salt seasoning that bring out the God-flavors  of this earth, we are to be light, bringing out the God-colors of this world."  By His grace may we be salt and light today.

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In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

Matthew 5:13-16The Message (MSG)

Salt and Light

¹³ "Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

^14-16 "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.