A City on a Hill

"You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden"  

                                                                            Matthew 5:14  CSB 

If you give yourself to Jesus, He'll take you up on it. However, you will be shot at by the devil (Eph 6) unless of course you hide behind something and be a secret Christian. A secret Christian wants to follow Jesus but, doesn't want the flak that goes with this, so remains quiet when in conversations. But there's no point to that at all. You were drawn to Jesus and now you live for Him and have become a city on a hill, it can't be hidden, it's there for all to see. 'No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lamp stand and it gives light for all to see in the house v15.

Because you are shining that light, you are going to get shot at - you're putting yourself on the line. People won't like you; they will not want to be in your presence because you are an embarrassment. But actually, you're not, you are a spiritual challenge. Wherever Jesus went there was a light, He lit up the darkness in people, hence why they crucified Him. You will not always be popular, because you shine up the darkness in their lives. However, this is not a game; this is serious stuff. People need Jesus; therefore: 'let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven.' v16.

Vicars wear dog collars so, it is easy to recognise what their line of work is. But, others have the light of Jesus around them and people know that you are different without any outward sign. Think of a city on a hill. When it is lit up, it can be seen for miles. People will know that it is a city. In the same way, as when you are walking in the Spirit and power of God, you should be a force to be reckoned with. Tony Evans writes:

'You will rarely see what God is willing to do in secret until, He sees what you are willing to do in public.' 

God knows your heart and what you are willing to do. But, He wants you to take that first step, once you do, He will open the floodgates of blessing so that you will be successful.

There is no real need to wear any outward sign that you are a Christian. People will know that you are a city on a hill when you are walking the walk and living the live of Jesus. There are a lot of screwed up, hurting people living around us. They need what you and I have - Jesus. So shine for Jesus.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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