I recently returned from a trip to
Israel. Words can’t describe all the sights and sounds, emotions and
impressions.
It is nearly impossible to choose a
favorite site or experience. If I had to choose I would choose a region…the
region of Galilee.
Jesus spent the majority of His ministry
around the shores and mountains of Galilee.
Our group made the hike up Mount Arbel and
took in the sights of Galilee. We were mostly speechless as we looked out
across the valley. We had the luxury of allowing the mind’s eye to see Jesus as
He gathered the 12 men that would make history with Him.
We gazed across the vast valley at a
modern day city that sits on a hill.
Jesus had just finished teaching the
disciples The Beatitudes. Blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed are those who
mourn, blessed are the gentle…
And then He spoke these words that have
resonated in my heart all day today:
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
I stood on Arbel and saw the city on the hill. I imagined 2,000 years ago as the sun dipped below the horizon and darkness crept over the valley, the people of the city lit their oil lamps…house by house…one by one…a small flickering flame glowing in the night…met by another and yet another…
I imagined the sight from the valley below and I could see all those lights blinking and winking and guiding the way through the night.
Jesus said “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
In other words it matters.
How I treat my family…matters.
How I speak to the checkout lady at Ingles… matters.
How I respond to the insurance clerk who is reciting HIPPAA to me…matters.
The sites I visit on the computer…matters.
What I allow to take root in my heart…matters.
The sun is dipping below the horizon. Darkness is creeping in over the valley and we are to let our lights shine before family, friends, acquaintances and strangers that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.
It matters.
If the salt isn’t salty, what is its worth?
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Hide it under a bush? Oh no! I’m gonna let it shine!
Hide it under a bush? Oh, no! I’m gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let is shine!
Let it shine til Jesus comes…
