Matt. 5:15

     One of Barbara’s favorite things is light houses.  She has them all over our home, in the yard, on the car, big ones, little ones, lighted ones, etc.  All kinds and descriptions.  I really don’t know what began her fascination with them, but I must admit that I have grown rather fond of them myself over the years.  However, to me their symbolism is more important than their literal function.  The Scripture above alludes to the absurdity of lighting a candle and then attempting to conceal its light.  The  very nature and normal function of a light is to illuminate its surroundings and be a point of focus for those seeking direction.  Wow, what a great picture that is of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ and its purpose and function in the world.  You see, in the verse preceding the one printed above (Matt. 5:14) Jesus made the declaration to His followers that they were “the light of the world”.  In other words they were (we are) to illuminate our surroundings and be a point of focus for those in the world who are seeking direction.  That seems to me to be a pretty important commission.  Interestingly enough in the verse following the one printed above (Matt. 5:16) Jesus “commanded” His followers to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven”.

    Church, that gives our mission a tremendous amount of importance.  It elevates the church and its work to the very highest level of importance.  Thus, when we let ball games, fishing and hunting trips, family outings, and other “good” things go in order to attend church it gives us a really good feeling to know that we are setting our priorities in line with our Lords.

     And His reward will be accordingly and He will repay one hundred fold.  He is a great loving and wonderful Saviour.

                                                         Pastor Homer