Jesus, The Light of the World

I have always been a fan of Christmas lights. I love to ride around just before Christmas and see all the lights in the neighborhoods. I was hanging lights on our house today, and I began to think about the way it shines. The more lights, the lighter it got in the yard. It’s not the Grizwolds’ house or anything, but I like it. The concept of light vs. darkness came to mind.

There is always a reminder of this world’s darkness and what it represents. The apostle John recorded by inspiration two times when our Lord refers to Himself as the “light of the world” (John 8:12; 9:5), as well as the “light of life.” John also wrote: “the whole world lieth in wickedness” (1 John 5:19) teaching us that this world is so lost in sin. After Jesus had told the woman taken in adultery (John 8:1-11), “go and sin no more” (v. 11), he then turned to those He had been teaching and said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

Jesus is the answer to this world’s wickedness. Luke recorded: “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). He is the “light” that all mankind must come to see. His message of salvation is one for all. Paul wrote: “for I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of salvation to everyone who believes: to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).

True disciples of Christ have the opportunity to teach and show the world through the preaching of the Gospel and through the living of the Gospel. Jesus with His authority gave the command: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20, NKJV). So, we “go and teach” (KJV), but we are also taught to live out the Gospel each day in our lives:  “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

So, while you are out and about this next few weeks and seeing lights in your neighborhood, remember that Christ is the “light of the world” and that we are to live in such a way that others can see that “light.”

Wayne Rodgers

A Sermon of Attitudes (pt. 8)

The previous character trait or attitude discussed was that of a peacemaker, which gives us some insight as to “counting the cost” of the Christian life (Lk. 14:28). The type of persecution under consideration is that which comes from a life faithful to God.

Jesus along with the apostle Paul wrote of the real possibility of persecution: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12, KJV); “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword” (Rom. 8:35, NKJV).

Persecution comes about in various ways and forms: physical violence, sharp tongues, angry pens, rejection from family, friends, etc., socially out casted, etc. Yet, whatever form it may show, we must learn to properly respond with a joyful and glad heart (Mt. 5:12). Jesus reminded us that we stand in good company: “for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” The kingdom of heaven is that for which Christ “suffered” (Heb. 5:7-8) and “tasted death” (Heb. 2:9) for each of us. He is our example (2 Pet. 2:21); therefore, we must follow in His steps. First, we must know that we, too, will face persecution, as did He. Second, we must face persecution as He has taught. These attitudes or character traits that are to be found in the man approved of God are those which were new to the Jewish economy, but would continue to this day in the church of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

What follows the Beatitudes are those verses teaching that we are, in fact, “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Mt. 5:13-16). Therefore, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which his in heaven.”

- Wayne Rodgers

A Sermon of Attitudes (pt. 4)

The man of whom God approves is the one who embodies the characteristics seen the Sermon on the Mount and especially the Beatitudes or the attitudes that we should be. This is also the one truly blessed by God.

Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” As Jesus continues his preparation of the hearts of those who will follow him, he speaks of meekness. While meekness is not weakness, but rather defined as tamed strength. Meekness is seen alongside traits such as lowliness (Eph. 4:2), as a quiet spirit (1 Pet. 3:4), and gentleness (Titus 3:2). Jesus portrayed perfectly in His life this attitude of meekness and used it as the inviting quality to “come unto [Him, added W.R.] all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest…” (Mt. 11:28).

The blessing of this quiet strength is inheriting the earth. Not in the fanciful sense of the Watchtower Society’s teaching of a literal abiding on this earth (Mt. 24:35), but rather as one who can enjoy the true blessings of the earth. In the Gospel Advocate commentary, H. Leo Boles commented: “The real enjoyment of earthly blessings belongs not to those who grasp for them and assert and maintain them with a grip so tight, but rather the one who holds to them lightly and do not fear losing them as earthly possessions go.”

~Wayne Rodgers

A Sermon of Attitudes (pt. 3)

As we look at each attitude or beatitude, we see an underlying theme focusing on the man in whom God approves. This is the man that is blessed. This is true happiness and joy in the life of the servant of God.

Only those who are humble before God will realize their inability to approach a holy God. It is because of our sin that we cannot approach.

Those who will “mourn” over their sins “will be comforted.” This attitude is one that encapsulates grief and sorrow over our sins. Isaiah was reminded of this as he saw the Lord in His holiness and majesty and it affected him in a most profound way. The Bible records: “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts” (Isaiah 6:5).

The corresponding blessing given is comfort. The one who can truly comfort us is Jesus Christ. He is the one that when we hear His Gospel, we should mourn over our sins. It is that type sorrow which works repentance to salvation (2 Cor. 7:10).  True comfort is seen in the salvation of God.

~Wayne Rodgers

There Is No God Like Thee

Solomon proclaims before the whole congregation of Israel (1 Kings 8:22) the greatness and faithfulness of the Lord God of Israel. God is distinguished from the idol gods of the land by the fact that he keeps his covenant and shows mercy unto those who follow Him (1 Kings 8:23). Paul said,“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Cor. 1:9). Under His new covenant (Mt. 26:28), God shows his mercy by way of salvation through Jesus Christ, whereby the promise of the remission of sins is accomplished. Remember that the Lord’s servants walk before him “with all their heart.”

~Wayne Rodgers