Matthew 6:22-23
The key words in this section are light, darkness, eyes, healthy and unhealthy. Matthew is still recording Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew contrasts having healthy eyes which fills the body with light to having unhealthy eyes which fills the body with darkness. He is obviously using a metaphor for being spiritually blind. I think the key phrase is "the eye is the lamp of the body."
This passage seems to stand on its own in the middle of a section about treasure. Jesus just finished saying that we should store our treasure in heaven and after this he goes on to talk about how we cannot serve both God and money. There are no words - like therefore, but, however, and, etc. - that would connect these verses to the surrounding ones. Some commentaries indicate that "healthy" should be translated "single" and "unhealthy" indicates "double". In this case, there is some connection to the next paragraph where Jesus talks about serving two masters. Jesus would therefore be saying that the person who tries to focus on heaven and this earth at the same time will see neither clearly. Because the eyes were believed to be the windows through which light entered the body, Jesus could be saying that if our spiritual eyes are focused and we are single minded, then our whole being is lit up with the benefits that come from that focuse and purpose. If our spiritual eyes are not focused on one thing, then our whole being becomes confused and infected.
The point, from looking at the previous passage and the next one, is clear: my focus should be on heaven. My heart should find its home there and my purpose must be clear: to serve God and store treasure in heaven. Jesus is combatting the notion that we can have it both ways. This fits with what he says about seeking, above everything, God's kingdom and righteousness. I know that I have been duped by the philosophy of materialism and consumerism. I know that I measure my success and worth by my bottom line and my possessions. I know that my vision is sometimes double. Today I want to focus my spiritual eye on Christ and allow my whole being to be filled with his light.
Showing posts with label light. Show all posts
Showing posts with label light. Show all posts
Monday, December 1, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
guiding light
Matthew 5:13-16
Jesus uses two analogies to describe the character of citizens of the kingdom of heaven. This is consistent with his teaching style through out his ministry: using parables, comparisons, analogies to make a point.
The two descriptions that Jesus uses here are salt and light. We don't use salt in the same way they did in the ancient world and we don't value salt the same way. I think Jesus was probably referring to the preservative nature of salt and possibly the subversive nature of salt. When salt is used in food properly it enhances the flavours of what is already there and you don't really notice it. This would be a good description of the citizen of the kingdom - sometimes going unnoticed but missed when not there.
In term of light, the whole purpose of the light is to show the way. Jesus makes it clear the the life of the citizen of the kingdom is to show the way to God: let our good deeds shine so others see them and give glory to God. In the context, Jesus is talking specifically about the way that we endure opposition, hardship and persecution (v. 10-11). We rejoice in the midst of persecution without seeking vengeance and without flinching and people will realize that there must be something to what we believe. This has certainly been proven through out history.
I know that I act like a child when I face hardship or opposition: I lash back, I throw a tantrum, I scream and swear. Sure, I might be outwardly composed but if you could see me when I'm alone or if you could look into my mind at that moment it wouldn't be pretty. God, please let me be your light and salt in this world. Let my life shine is such a way that it points to you and brings you glory from others.
Jesus uses two analogies to describe the character of citizens of the kingdom of heaven. This is consistent with his teaching style through out his ministry: using parables, comparisons, analogies to make a point.
The two descriptions that Jesus uses here are salt and light. We don't use salt in the same way they did in the ancient world and we don't value salt the same way. I think Jesus was probably referring to the preservative nature of salt and possibly the subversive nature of salt. When salt is used in food properly it enhances the flavours of what is already there and you don't really notice it. This would be a good description of the citizen of the kingdom - sometimes going unnoticed but missed when not there.
In term of light, the whole purpose of the light is to show the way. Jesus makes it clear the the life of the citizen of the kingdom is to show the way to God: let our good deeds shine so others see them and give glory to God. In the context, Jesus is talking specifically about the way that we endure opposition, hardship and persecution (v. 10-11). We rejoice in the midst of persecution without seeking vengeance and without flinching and people will realize that there must be something to what we believe. This has certainly been proven through out history.
I know that I act like a child when I face hardship or opposition: I lash back, I throw a tantrum, I scream and swear. Sure, I might be outwardly composed but if you could see me when I'm alone or if you could look into my mind at that moment it wouldn't be pretty. God, please let me be your light and salt in this world. Let my life shine is such a way that it points to you and brings you glory from others.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
kick at the darkness...
Ephesians 5:8-20
Paul changes his metaphor from clothes or uniforms to darkness and light and contrasts what it means to live as a child of the light with living as a child of darkness. He includes a quote that could be part of an early hymn. The thesis statement for this section is: "live as children of the light". A child of light has nothing to do with the darkness except to expose with the light of Christ to bring life to it. A child of light is wise in the way she lives. A child of light makes the most of every opportunity. A child of light avoids drunkeness, submits to the Spirit and has a thankful attitude.
The first thing that really stands out to me is that we are not just supposed to remain pure but we are also supposed to expose the evil in our world. We've developed the monastic type of Christanity without actually building monastaries because we've focused so much on the remaining pure. So we send our kids to Christian schools, publish a directory of Christian businesses, only develop friendships with other Christians, etc. Part of our role is to shine the light of Christ into the darkness so that it can also become light. It reminds me of the Barenaked Ladies' cover of Bruce Cockburn's "Lovers in a Dangerous Time" (I could have just said Bruce Cockburn but then I wouldn't have been able to have the words barenaked ladies in my blevo!): You've got to kick at the darkness till it bleeds daylight. Our job is not just to be pure but to shine the light of Christ into the darkness to create life and light where there was once only darkness. I think if Paul were alive today he would have used a nuclear analogy: we are radioactive and part of our job is to maintain the glow in our selves but the other part of our job is to "contaminate" the darkness so it begins to glow as well.
Ok, this is getting long but I'm pretty passionate about this. We can't just hide out in our bomb shelters and admire each other's light. We need to take that light back into the darkness! However, there is a time for us to shine our lights for each other in order to encourage each other. Paul says that children of light sing to one another in hymns, etc. Our worship today is individualistic even when it is corporate: we close our eyes and shut out everyone else because I am worshiping God. Paul has a different idea - that my worship encourages others to worship and their's encourages mine. Instead of shutting our eyes and closing everyone out, I should be worshiping in community for the glory of God and the edification of my fellow disciples.
Paul changes his metaphor from clothes or uniforms to darkness and light and contrasts what it means to live as a child of the light with living as a child of darkness. He includes a quote that could be part of an early hymn. The thesis statement for this section is: "live as children of the light". A child of light has nothing to do with the darkness except to expose with the light of Christ to bring life to it. A child of light is wise in the way she lives. A child of light makes the most of every opportunity. A child of light avoids drunkeness, submits to the Spirit and has a thankful attitude.
The first thing that really stands out to me is that we are not just supposed to remain pure but we are also supposed to expose the evil in our world. We've developed the monastic type of Christanity without actually building monastaries because we've focused so much on the remaining pure. So we send our kids to Christian schools, publish a directory of Christian businesses, only develop friendships with other Christians, etc. Part of our role is to shine the light of Christ into the darkness so that it can also become light. It reminds me of the Barenaked Ladies' cover of Bruce Cockburn's "Lovers in a Dangerous Time" (I could have just said Bruce Cockburn but then I wouldn't have been able to have the words barenaked ladies in my blevo!): You've got to kick at the darkness till it bleeds daylight. Our job is not just to be pure but to shine the light of Christ into the darkness to create life and light where there was once only darkness. I think if Paul were alive today he would have used a nuclear analogy: we are radioactive and part of our job is to maintain the glow in our selves but the other part of our job is to "contaminate" the darkness so it begins to glow as well.
Ok, this is getting long but I'm pretty passionate about this. We can't just hide out in our bomb shelters and admire each other's light. We need to take that light back into the darkness! However, there is a time for us to shine our lights for each other in order to encourage each other. Paul says that children of light sing to one another in hymns, etc. Our worship today is individualistic even when it is corporate: we close our eyes and shut out everyone else because I am worshiping God. Paul has a different idea - that my worship encourages others to worship and their's encourages mine. Instead of shutting our eyes and closing everyone out, I should be worshiping in community for the glory of God and the edification of my fellow disciples.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Light 'em up!
Ephesians 5:8-14
Not only are we supposed to have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness (I like that phrase!), we are supposed to expose them. We, as children of light, are supposed to shine the light of Christ on the futile, empty and shameful things of this world. It reminds me of a Bruce Cockburn song:"Kick at the darkness till it bleeds daylight."
Not only are we supposed to shine our light, we are supposed to change the very character of darkness into light: "Everything exposed by the light becomes visible - and everything that is illuminated becomes a light." I know that it is not technically "we" who change the character of darkness but it is the power of God but I also know that God has chosen to use his children working in the power and under the direction of his Holy Spirit as his primary method to bring light to the darkness in this time. He is committed to this method and rarely will he make an exception. He has given us the responsibility to be his witness and take his light to all nations and all people.
I had a prof at BBC (Hindrager) who would get students who fell asleep to stand and read v. 14. It was quite funny! The student was usually in such a stupor that they didn't get the joke but the rest of the class sure did. The truth is that it is time for me to wake up and allow the light of Christ to shine on me, exposing the darkness in me and turning it into light and to allow the light of Christ to shine through me so that the darkness of this world may be exposed and possibly, through the grace of God, turned to light.
Not only are we supposed to have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness (I like that phrase!), we are supposed to expose them. We, as children of light, are supposed to shine the light of Christ on the futile, empty and shameful things of this world. It reminds me of a Bruce Cockburn song:"Kick at the darkness till it bleeds daylight."
Not only are we supposed to shine our light, we are supposed to change the very character of darkness into light: "Everything exposed by the light becomes visible - and everything that is illuminated becomes a light." I know that it is not technically "we" who change the character of darkness but it is the power of God but I also know that God has chosen to use his children working in the power and under the direction of his Holy Spirit as his primary method to bring light to the darkness in this time. He is committed to this method and rarely will he make an exception. He has given us the responsibility to be his witness and take his light to all nations and all people.
I had a prof at BBC (Hindrager) who would get students who fell asleep to stand and read v. 14. It was quite funny! The student was usually in such a stupor that they didn't get the joke but the rest of the class sure did. The truth is that it is time for me to wake up and allow the light of Christ to shine on me, exposing the darkness in me and turning it into light and to allow the light of Christ to shine through me so that the darkness of this world may be exposed and possibly, through the grace of God, turned to light.
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