Jesus revealed to us that he is The Light of the world and whoever follows him shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of Life (John 8:12). This revelation however requires us to respond by reflecting this light of Life, for Jesus also said, “You are the light of the world”, expecting us not to hide him, the light of Life. He commanded us to shine our light before men, in such a manner, that they may see our good works (of following him) and give glory to God, our Father who is in heaven.
Only those who believe in Jesus and who follow him shall have the light of Life (John 3:16; John 8:12). Jesus is the light of Life and our earthly bodies, which are mere jars of clay, has the hidden treasure of Jesus within us (2 Corinthians 4:6-7), only to be showcased and reflected out of our lives. The revelation of God’s expressed image in the person of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:3) ought to be reflected from and by us. Let us not hide Jesus under a bushel.
Also, note that when we shine the light of Jesus onto the world, those who are blinded by the devil (2 Corinthians 4:4) are not going to be pleased as their works of darkness (of sin) will be exposed, and many will resort to persecuting us, wanting us to hide the light of glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us just consider such persecution/trials, pure joy for in the end it yields perfection/triumph (James 1:2-4) and continue to shine – Let us not hide Jesus under a bushel.
Points to ponder:
Are you a follower of Jesus Christ? Am I a follower of Jesus Christ? We ought to be (Ephesians 5:1). Only if we follow him, shall we have the Light of Life within us that we must reflect.
If you and I are followers of Jesus Christ, Are we reflecting the revelation of God in Jesus Christ (despite any persecution that results from reflecting Jesus Christ? Let us not hide Jesus under a bushel! He is not meant to be.
John 8:12 (KJV)
12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Matthew 5:14-16 (KJV)
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
2 Corinthians 4:6-7 (KJV)
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Hebrews 1:3 (KJV)
3 Who [Jesus] being the brightness [shining light] of his [God’s] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:
