Still The Light

Still the Light

Read: Matthew 5:13-16

“You are the light of the world.”

Matthew 5:14

“We have the truth and we need not be afraid to say so.”

—J. C. Ryle

IN WORD The age of secularization has pushed believers into the margins of life. We may maintain our beliefs as long as we do not carry them into public places, we are told. Yet there is a voice with higher authority and greater depth than our secular culture. It is the Lord of all creation who says: “You are the light of the world.”

As much as the world may push us to the periphery of relevance, it has no answers. It usually doesn’t even ask the right questions. But with certainty, it concludes that the gospel is of little importance. The secular offense at the gospel is astounding and absurd. But still we are told to be salt of the earth and lights in the world.

What a catastrophe for secular culture will the coming of the Son of Man be! It will be for our salvation, but unbelieving eyes will be amazed when He appears, having invested everything—all of their resources—in the fallacies of human institutions. Having spent centuries building earthly kingdoms, our fallen race will marvel—and gnash its teeth—at the only kingdom standing in the end.

IN DEED Do not be intimidated by this world. It seeks answers but condemns anyone who claims to have them. It honors openness to all kinds of “truths” but scoffs when one accepts the truth. No, our Master will not let us be intimidated by this skepticism. He has given us neither a light to be hidden nor a spirit of fear. The world craves answers, and though it does not recognize Him, He is the answer. The world seeks wisdom and our God has given us the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). We have no apologies to make for offering the light of salvation to a world in darkness. In fact, we owe apologies to the Lord if we do not. Be bold. “Let your light shine before men” (Matthew 5:16).