Matthew 5:14-16
“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. (Matthew 5:14-16 MSG)
I love how The Message translation of the bible says "We're going public with this" when describing how we should be a light in this world. It's so much more comfortable to keep a weekly routine of staying in the church walls. There's no challenge to speak out and there's no risk to be taken. At church, we're constantly surrounded by others who understand the reason why sing songs, lift our hands, and pray. However, once we leave the building, we are bombarded by a city of people who do not believe in the unseen God and who refuse to recognize that they have a great need for him. It's so much easier to avoid confrontation with those who don't believe, BUT it's not what we were created to be!
We were created with a purpose to take risks that no one else would. We were created to resemble a city on a hill with all its glory. A city on a hill can be seen from any point that surrounds it: Everyone will talk about it, you could never forget it, and you would most surely want a picture of it! We carry in our very souls the most amazing news that can be given to someone: YOU ARE LOVED BY THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE AND HE PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE TO GIVE YOU THE BEST LIFE! If we truly embrace the message that has changed our lives, we can truly make the gospel the topic that everyone is talking about, that no one can forget, and that everyone would have to take a picture of. Obviously, in order to take a picture, something needs to be going on! I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and begin shining the light of Jesus so bright that someone just has to take a picture/video of it! That's what the Amazing Race this Saturday is about. We're going public with this and we are that city on a hill ready to share the love of Jesus with Miami! Be brave and join the movement.