Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

YE ARE THE "WHAT?" OF THE WORLD???

Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” Matthew 5:14. Matthew 5:1-2 makes it clear that this statement is made to His disciples rather than to the multitudes from whom he had retreated. Think with me about what this means! The idea of this statement being made to a group instead of an individual is reinforced by the comparison to a city set on a hill. Moreover, here is something beautiful about the King James Version of the Bible. Some folks don’t like the archaic English, but the translation is distinctly true to the original Greek by distinguishing singular from plural and nominative from objective case in the second person. “Ye” is singular, and “you” is plural, the first nominative and the other objective in grammatical case. So what we have here is Jesus referring to a plural group as singular, “ye,” in the nominative form. Hence, it is understood that this reference is to His church which this group of saved, baptized disciples were. So, it is His church, the pillar and ground of the truth; the fullness of Him that filleth all in all that is the light of the world, and as a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden.

The individuals that make up the church are addressed in the following two verses. Men do not light a candle and put it under a bushel, but in the candlestick that the benefit of light may be realized. The candlestick is presented in the Bible as a type or symbol of the church. Furthermore, such lighted candles are to let their light shine before men. This accomplishes two things: men will behold (be influenced) by that light, and it will glorify the Heavenly Father. The terminology in verse 16 is “Let your light so shine before men…” Here the second person “your” is plural indicating a direct address to everyone numbered in the group or church. “Light and darkness,” indicating opposite states are also used to indicate knowledge as opposed to ignorance, and righteousness as opposed to evil. These latter things are what Jesus referenced.

Make no mistake about it. Men become aware quickly of one who is faithful to the Lord’s church, and who lives in accord with the teachings of Christ Jesus. They also note quickly those who “say but fail to do,” and categorize them as hypocrites. Such fails to dispel the darkness, and to glorify the Heavenly Father.

The Psalmist David declared, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so….” Psalm 107:2. Redeemed folks should be happy folks. Redeemed folks should jump at every chance to glorify God by relating what He has done for them in providing eternal salvation, and an acceptable avenue of service. If they do this, they will be letting their light shine! Every true Christian should be such a light in this sin-darkened world.

FOR THOUGHT: Do you see how Jesus’ teachings here do not admit going to church, but being the church? Either one is or is not an intricate part of the church 24/7! Name at least five things a church member may do to let his light shine before men. If the church is the light of the world, how bright is that light shining?