NOTE: We only have the last nine minutes of this week’s message.
Dear Church,
Remember the time Jesus climbed up a mountain and told us, ‘“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 they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.‘ (Matthew 5:13-16)
Me too.
This Sunday as we continue to savor the sermon on the mount, we come to these words: ‘Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. So, when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.’ (Matthew 6:1-4) If you keep reading, He says something similar about praying and fasting. Do it–but don’t let anybody see you, don’t let anybody know, don’t let anybody guess.
You are the light of the world, shine your light so everyone can see–but practice your faith in secret, so only God can see. Well, which is it, Jesus? Surely you aren’t asking us to be visible and hidden at the same time? Are you?
I hope you can join me as we listen deeply to the words of our Savior and seek the Spirit for revelation.
Peace,
Pastor Kate
Want to chat about what you have heard? Click here:
https://www.thegrovecharlotte.org/connect-with-us
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS