Discipleship Point
Matthew 5:13-16
Salt and Light
13 “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.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Pondering Point
Being a light is one description of ‘joining in the mission’ of God as disciples, the third part of our disciple definition. First we follow Him, according to Matthew 4:19, confessing Him as our Head. Second, He makes us new, changing our hearts in doing so. Then comes joining the mission by fishing for men, represented by hands – as if making ourselves available to help. Let’s alter the “hand” analogy to reflect Jesus as the light of the world. We are then called to join Jesus in His mission by casting light rather than casting nets into the world. Either is good. Join in.
Discipleship Prayer
Dear Jesus, whether the analogy be
“my hands I give to use for Thee, for yours were torn from Calvary” or “all around the neighborhood, I’m gonna let it shine,” I’m saying “count me in” – I’m part of Your mission team. But You gotta lead so that I can follow. Show me the way.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 103:19-22
- The Lord has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all. - Praise the Lord, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word. - Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will. - Praise the Lord, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the Lord, my soul.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Psalm 148:1-3
Praise the LORD from the heavens;
Praise him in the heights above.
Praise him, all his angels;
Praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars.
The Promise
Psalm 146:10
The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord.
Pondering Point
Think of your praise for God joining that of Moses, Abraham and King David, of the disciples Peter and John and the angels Michael and Gabriel. Now add the praise of the heavens: The sun, moon and stars. Add the earth and all of its wondrous creation: Oceans, mountains, and microscopic marvels. What is man that God is mindful of him? Yet HE IS mindful of you. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!