“You are burning lamps who the Lord has established on his sacred mountain to illuminate the darkness of the world by your word and example.”
We are called to be the light, illuminating the world around us.
Elisabeth of Schonau, wrote this in the 12th Century. It echoes Matthew 5:14- 16,
“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 may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
This imagery of being a burning lamp, which projects glorious light and love into a dark and troubled world, has continued to captivate and resonate throughout the centuries.
We are to let our light shine…
God did not plant such fire and light and love within us so that we would hide it or dim it.
But rather, to courageously let our light shine. Radiantly. So others will be drawn to the light.
He continues to call us to activate His abundant gifts of love, generosity, and hospitality. Sharing them with the world and communities and people all around us. Calling us to rise up, and boldly letting the truth of His inclusive invitation pour out of us into this unsettled and uncertain world.
Witnessing for God’s abundant and steadfast love for all of His creation and all of His people.
Allowing our faith and love to shine so brilliantly before others so not only He is glorified, but people and their stories and their circumstances can be restored and redeemed.
And be brought out of the darkness, into the light.
Five Minute Friday Prompt: RESTORE
Photo Credits: Isaac Davis and Ronaldo Oliveira, from Unsplash
BrookeJune 15, 2018 5:36 pm
and now I’ll be singing “this little light” all afternoon! 🙂
{your FMF neighbor}
Anne Mackie-MorelliJune 15, 2018 9:07 pm
For sure! Both sing it and let your light shine! Blessings Brooke.
Melinda Viergever InmanJune 15, 2018 9:09 pm
Thank you for the beautiful reminder! I love the graphics you included with this post! Very uplifting and eye-catching!
Anne Mackie-MorelliJune 16, 2018 1:13 am
Melinda, thank you so much for visiting The Stones call and for your encouraging comments.
Kristi McAllisterJune 15, 2018 10:16 pm
Your post is so touching and it reminds me of a friend I lost recently to an accidental overdose. He was 28 and had his whole life in front of him. I remember when our mutual friend told me he had been found dead how sad I felt and my next words were “That boy….he was a bright, bright light…” And he was. I think so many of us take for granted the light that shines within us because we never know how we touch others. Much wisdom here. Thanks for sharing…
Anne Mackie-MorelliJune 15, 2018 10:56 pm
Kristi, thank you for sharing about your friend. It sounds like he was a beautiful light, but may not have been as aware of it as others were. What a great reminder to not just be the light, but also to tell people how much we appreciate them and the light they shine into our lives. And you are so right – we often don’t know how or where the light we shine, and the love we share, impacts others. It think that is why we are just called to shine our love and let God use it where He knows it is most needed. Blessings to you Kristi as you grieve the loss of your friend.
Cindy WilkinsJune 16, 2018 1:54 pm
Just lovely, Ann! And a challenge to remember not to let our light dim! It’s way too easy for me to stay in my little comfort zone where my light is like a night light, shining softly and seen by a few. Your words have been an inspiration to me today! Cindy #fmf FB page
Anne Mackie-MorelliJune 16, 2018 2:11 pm
Cindy, I am so delighted that my words have encouraged you! I too can be content to let my light shine gently or in some circumstances and with some people even dim my light. So I too must remember we are called to be faithful in all circumstances and to courageously let God’s love and goodness and mercy and grace just pour out of us. Blessings to you as you shine brightly!
JodiJune 16, 2018 2:01 pm
Your words refresh my soul and you’ve presented these truths beautifully!?
Anne Mackie-MorelliJune 16, 2018 2:13 pm
Jodi, I am so glad that my words resonated with you and that you felt refreshed by them. Thanks for dropping by and visiting The Stones Call.
Terryn WinfieldJune 16, 2018 2:46 pm
This goes along perfectly with my devotionals this week. Thank you so much for being a light! Have you heard of SheWorksHisWay? I highly recommend it!
Anne Mackie-MorelliJune 17, 2018 1:53 am
Terryn, so glad that it fit with your devotionals this week. I have not heard of SheWorksHisway. I will check it out! Thanks for your comments and for visiting The Stones Call.
BrittanyJune 22, 2018 8:18 pm
This is such a short, sweet message about who God calls us to be. Thanks for the reminder ✨
Anne Mackie-MorelliJune 27, 2018 5:06 pm
Brittany, thanks for stopping by The Stones Call. I appreciate you commenting!
SummerApril 14, 2019 11:00 pm
What a privilege we have to spread the light of Christ in this dark world!
Anne Mackie MorelliApril 15, 2019 8:29 am
Yes! We are called to be the light and do whatever we can to dispel the darkness. What a blessed responsibility.