This Little Light of Mine

 

Pastor Jerry was reading from Matthew 5:14-16  (KJV)

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Jesus is the Light of the world, but he also said you are to be the light of the world, reflecting his light.

Pastor began with the story of Frank Almond’s stolen $5 mil. Stradivarius Violin while he was leaving a concert.  Alas it was borrowed!  It was unique and could not be sold.  The suspects were quickly caught and the violin returned. 

Few appreciate the value of an expensive Stradivarius Violin and what it will do.  In the masters hands the instrument will play the most beautiful music.

We are instruments of God and he desires to use us to illuminate this world.

The Christian life is meant to be shared to build the kingdom.  Jesus said, we light a lamp and place it where all can see.  A light is not to be hid under a bushel.

The challenge is not to hide our faith in a “safe place” but to take it out into the world.

Our light is “Truth of the Gospel,” with the command to go forth and make disciples.

In this world there is division in so many places, arguments and opposition; children against parents, nation against nation.

Each person has a different favorite color, and a variety of opinions on how things should be done.  As a congregation we must blend and respect the ideas of others and use wisdom in discerning what to accept.

We are a fragmented world yet we are to shine as lights and bring faith, love and hope to our world around us.

Be bold, valuable gifts are in you to share with others. 

Go forth and shine.

Pastor closed with the prayer of St Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.